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Traditional Indian Fry Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 135 reviews

Traditional Indian Fry Bread is a deliciously soft and crispy fried dough that can be enjoyed plain or topped with savory or sweet toppings. This simple recipe involves mixing a light dough, chilling it, then frying until golden brown for a perfect snack or meal base such as Navajo Tacos.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons milk

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil, for frying (at least 1 inch depth)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the milk, stirring until the dough begins to hold together in a ball.
  2. Knead the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough briefly until smooth, being careful not to overwork it. This helps develop just enough gluten for a tender bread.
  3. Chill the dough: Place the dough in a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to work with and improve texture.
  4. Heat oil: In a deep frying pan or kettle, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is at least one inch deep for proper frying.
  5. Shape the fry bread: Divide the chilled dough into four equal portions. On a floured surface, pat and roll each portion into a disc about ¼ inch thick, roughly the size of a baseball. Poke a hole in the center of each disc with your finger or a knife to ensure even frying and keep the bread flat.
  6. Fry the bread: Carefully place each dough disc into the hot oil. Fry until the bottom side is golden brown, about 1.5 minutes, then flip and fry the other side until equally golden and cooked through, approximately another 1.5 minutes.
  7. Drain and serve: Remove the fry bread from oil using tongs or a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm with your choice of toppings or use as a base for Navajo Tacos.

Notes

  • Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F for ideal frying results.
  • Do not over-knead the dough to keep the bread soft and tender.
  • The hole in the center prevents the bread from puffing up excessively and helps it cook evenly.
  • Fry bread is best enjoyed fresh and warm.
  • Use toppings like honey, powdered sugar, beans, or ground beef for Navajo Tacos variations.

Keywords: Indian Fry Bread, Navajo Tacos, Fried Dough, Native American Recipe, Traditional Fry Bread

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/traditional-indian-fry-bread-recipe/