Traditional Navajo Fry Bread

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Traditional Navajo Fry Bread is a simple yet deeply satisfying dish that brings a taste of Native American heritage to your kitchen. With a crispy outside and soft, chewy inside, it's perfect for a hearty snack or as a versatile base for various toppings.

Ingredients for Traditional Navajo Fry Bread

Flour is the foundation of our fry bread, giving it structure and substance. We use all-purpose flour for a balance of texture and flavor. Baking powder acts as the leavening agent, making the bread puff up as it fries. Just a tablespoon is enough to get that light, airy feel. Salt enhances the overall flavor of the bread, giving it just the right amount of savory goodness. Warm water helps activate the baking powder and brings the dough together smoothly. Lastly, the vegetable oil is essential for frying, giving the bread its signature crispy texture.

Tips & Tricks

  • Control the oil temperature by adjusting the heat to prevent burning.
  • For even cooking, avoid overcrowding the skillet.
  • If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little flour on your hands or the dough.
  • Resting the dough is key to achieving a soft texture, so don't skip it.

Serving Suggestions

Turn your fry bread into a savory delight by topping it with seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese for a Navajo taco. For a sweet treat, drizzle with honey or dust with powdered sugar. It also pairs beautifully with a bowl of chili or stew for a comforting meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before frying.
Is there a gluten-free option?
While traditional fry bread uses all-purpose flour, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, though the texture may vary.

Traditional Navajo Fry Bread Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add your flour, baking powder, and salt, giving them a quick stir to combine. Now, gradually pour in the warm water. You can use a fork or your hands to mix everything until a dough begins to form. Once combined, it's time to knead. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and work it for about 5 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic under your hands.

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. This rest period allows the gluten to relax, making your dough easier to work with. After resting, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a disc about 1/4 inch thick.

Now for the fun part, frying. Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into it. If it sizzles and floats, you're good to go. Carefully place each disc into the hot oil. Fry them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they're golden brown and puffed. Use tongs to flip them and ensure even cooking.

Once done, transfer each fry bread to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve them warm for the best texture and taste.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with just a few pantry staples.
  • Perfect blend of crispy and chewy textures.
  • Versatile and pairs well with both savory and sweet toppings.
  • A fun and interactive recipe for family and friends.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups warm water
Vegetable oil, for frying

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water, mixing with a fork or your hands, until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each into a ball.
6. Flatten each ball into a round disc about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Fry each dough disc until golden brown and puffed, about 2-3 minutes per side.
9. Drain fry bread on paper towels and serve warm.

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