Navajo Tacos are a unique twist on the classic taco, featuring a delicious combination of traditional Native American flavors. This recipe calls for a hearty fry bread base topped with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and zesty sauce. The result is a mouthwatering treat that will satisfy your cravings for both tacos and comfort food. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, Navajo Tacos are sure to impress everyone with their flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
- For the Fry Bread:
- - 2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 2 teaspoons baking powder
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- - 1 cup warm water
- - Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Ground Beef Topping:
- - 1 pound ground beef
- - 1 small onion, diced
- - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 teaspoon chili powder
- - 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Zesty Sauce:
- - 1/2 cup sour cream
- - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- - 2 tablespoons lime juice
- - 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- - Salt to taste
- For the Taco Assembly:
- - Shredded lettuce
- - Diced tomatoes
- - Sliced black olives
- - Shredded cheddar cheese
- - Sliced green onions
- - Sliced jalapenos
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt for the fry bread. Gradually add the warm water and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and continue cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the cooked beef. Stir well to coat the meat with the spices, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, and salt to make the zesty sauce. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Set aside.
- After the dough has rested, divide it into 8 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll out each portion into a circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry each circle of dough one at a time until golden brown and puffed up, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- To assemble the Navajo Tacos, place a fry bread on a plate. Spread a generous amount of the zesty sauce over the fry bread. Top with a portion of the seasoned ground beef.
- Layer on shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and sliced jalapenos to your liking.
- Serve the Navajo Tacos immediately, allowing everyone to customize their toppings. Enjoy the flavorful combination of textures and tastes in every bite.
Interesting Facts
Navajo Tacos, also known as Indian Tacos, are a popular dish in the Southwestern United States, particularly among Native American communities.
Fry bread, the base of a Navajo Taco, is a dough made from simple ingredients like flour, baking powder, salt, and water. It was invented by Navajo people during their forced relocation known as the Long Walk in the 1860s.
Navajo Tacos are often served at events and gatherings such as powwows, tribal fairs, and rodeos. They have become a symbol of Native American culture and cuisine.
The toppings for Navajo Tacos can vary widely, from seasoned ground beef to shredded chicken, beans, and even vegetarian options. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different preferences.