Description
Fry Bread is a traditional Native American dish known for its crispy golden exterior and soft, fluffy interior. This recipe uses simple ingredients and a frying technique to create delicious bread that can be enjoyed sweet with honey and powdered sugar or savory with various fillings like seasoned meat, beans, or vegetables. Perfect for a quick and satisfying treat or meal accompaniment.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Opt for high-quality flour for best results.)
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (Leavening agent for soft interior.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor.)
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Water (Add gradually for desired dough consistency.)
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable Oil (For frying, use a neutral oil with a high smoke point.)
- Honey (For sweet serving.)
- Powdered Sugar (For sweet serving.)
- Savory Fillings (Such as seasoned meat, beans, or vegetables.)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
- Form Dough: Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, mixing continuously until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to add too much water to keep the dough workable and not sticky.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape and improving texture.
- Shape Dough: Turn the rested dough onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and flatten each piece into a disc shape, ready for frying.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Test the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should bubble and rise immediately without burning.
- Fry Bread: Carefully place each dough disc into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for the same duration, ensuring both sides are crispy and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried bread from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process with remaining dough pieces.
- Serve Warm: Serve the fry bread warm with your choice of toppings. Enjoy it sweet with honey and powdered sugar or savory with various fillings like seasoned meat or beans.
Notes
- Ensure oil is at the right temperature; too hot will burn the bread, too cool will make it greasy.
- Resting the dough is key to achieving a tender texture inside.
- Can be stored in an airtight container and reheated before serving.
- DIY variations include adding herbs or garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil to prevent off-flavors.
