Native American Fry-Bread

Introduction

History

Native American Fry-Bread has a rich history that dates back to the forced relocation of Native American tribes in the 19th century. During this time, the US government provided rations of flour, salt, and lard to the tribes, which led to the creation of fry bread as a way to make use of these ingredients. Today, fry bread is a staple in many Native American communities and is often served at powwows and other cultural events.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use a cast iron skillet for frying as it holds heat better.

- Preheat your frying oil on medium-high heat, but not until it is smoking hot.

- The quicker you fry your bread, the more tender and soft it will be.

- Shape the dough into discs that can fit into your pan or use a rolling pin on a floured surface to roll the dough out.

- Fry the bread on each side for a few minutes or until it turns a nice light brown color.

- Drain the fry bread on paper towels before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Native American Fry-Bread can be enjoyed on its own or topped with butter, chile, or powdered sugar.

Cooking Techniques

Frying

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use whole wheat flour instead of white flour for a healthier option.

- Almond milk can be used instead of dry milk for a dairy-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for Native American Fry-Bread can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to fry.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Native American Fry-Bread on a platter with various toppings for a colorful and appetizing display.

Pairing Recommendations

Native American Fry-Bread pairs well with traditional Native American dishes like Indian tacos or stew.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, simply place in a toaster oven or oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Native American Fry-Bread contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Native American Fry-Bread contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Native American Fry-Bread contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Native American Fry-Bread contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Native American Fry-Bread is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Native American Fry-Bread contains gluten and dairy.

Summary

Native American Fry-Bread is a high-carb and high-fat dish that is best enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Native American Fry-Bread is a delicious and versatile dish that has been enjoyed by indigenous peoples for generations. With a few simple ingredients and cooking techniques, you can recreate this traditional recipe in your own kitchen. Enjoy it on its own or with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Native American Fry-Bread. It was many years ago, during a summer visit to my Aunt Mary's ranch in Arizona. Aunt Mary was a skilled cook, known for her delicious traditional Native American dishes. One afternoon, as I sat with her in the kitchen, she began to teach me the secrets of making fry-bread.

She explained that fry-bread holds a special place in Native American culture, as it was originally created by the Navajo tribe as a means of using the ingredients they had available to them. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to it.

Aunt Mary started by combining flour, salt, baking powder, and warm water in a large bowl. She then kneaded the dough until it was smooth and elastic, explaining that this was an important step in ensuring the fry-bread would be light and fluffy once cooked.

As she worked, Aunt Mary shared with me stories of her own childhood, when she would help her grandmother make fry-bread for family gatherings and celebrations. She spoke fondly of the time spent in the kitchen, learning the art of cooking from the women in her family.

Once the dough was ready, Aunt Mary divided it into small balls and began to shape them into flat discs. She then heated a cast-iron skillet filled with oil, explaining that the key to achieving the perfect fry-bread was to make sure the oil was hot enough before adding the dough.

Carefully, she placed each disc of dough into the sizzling oil, watching as it bubbled and browned on one side before flipping it over to cook the other. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, a mix of warm bread and savory oil that made my mouth water.

As the fry-bread cooked, Aunt Mary shared with me the importance of food in Native American culture. She explained that meals were often prepared with love and care, using ingredients that were grown and harvested by the community. Cooking was a way to honor the earth and the gifts it provided.

Finally, Aunt Mary removed the fry-bread from the skillet and placed it on a paper towel to drain. She then sprinkled it with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, a touch that added a sweet contrast to the savory bread.

I watched in awe as she handed me a piece of the freshly fried bread, the warmth of it melting in my mouth as I took a bite. The texture was perfect, light and airy with a crispy exterior that gave way to a soft center. The flavors danced on my tongue, a harmony of sweet and savory that was utterly delicious.

As I savored the fry-bread, Aunt Mary smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with pride. "Now you know the secret," she said. "This recipe has been passed down through generations, and now you carry on the tradition."

And so, from that day on, I became the keeper of the recipe for Native American Fry-Bread. I have made it for my own family and friends, sharing not just a meal but a piece of history and culture. Each time I fry up a batch of dough, I am reminded of Aunt Mary and the lessons she taught me in her kitchen that summer day.

The art of making fry-bread has become a cherished tradition in my own home, a way to connect with my heritage and honor the ancestors who came before me. And as I knead the dough and watch it sizzle in the hot oil, I feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the gift of this recipe that has been passed down through generations.

Categories

| Bread Appetizer Recipes | Native American Appetizers | Native American Recipes | Snack Recipes |

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