Fry bread is a delicious, versatile dish that has Native American roots and can be enjoyed in various ways, either sweet or savory. Here’s a simple recipe to make fry bread at home.
Fry Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (or milk)
- Oil for frying (vegetable oil, canola oil, or lard)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add the warm water (or milk) to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly depending on the humidity and the flour.
2. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about 1-2 minutes until it is smooth. Be careful not to over-knead.
3. Rest the Dough:
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This helps relax the gluten, making it easier to shape.
4. Shape the Fry Bread:
- After resting, divide the dough into equal portions (about 6-8 pieces, depending on the size you want).
- Flatten each piece into a disc about 1/4 inch thick. You can use your hands or a rolling pin. Make a small hole in the center of each disc to help it cook evenly.
5. Heat the Oil:
- In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1-2 inches of oil over medium heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of dough into it; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
6. Fry the Bread:
- Carefully place one or two discs of dough into the hot oil, depending on the size of your pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fry bread from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Serve:
- Fry bread can be served warm, either sweet or savory. You can top it with honey, powdered sugar, or cinnamon for a sweet treat, or use it as a base for tacos, chili, or other savory dishes.
Tips:
- Fry bread is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. Reheat in a skillet or oven to restore some crispiness.
- Experiment with different toppings and fillings to suit your taste!
Enjoy your homemade fry bread!