Description
Navajo fry bread is a crispy and fluffy Native American dish that can be served as a sweet treat with honey and powdered sugar, or used as a base for savory tacos and chili.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (more if needed)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for the dough)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine evenly.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Stir with a spoon until the mixture begins to come together into a dough. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft and slightly sticky but still manageable.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the dough has rested, divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it out into a circle about 1/4-inch thick (around 6 inches in diameter).
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Drop a small piece of dough into the oil to check if it’s ready—if it sizzles, it’s time to fry.
- Carefully slide the dough into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip using tongs or a slotted spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the fried bread from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve warm with your choice of sweet toppings like honey or powdered sugar, or use it as a base for savory dishes like tacos or chili.
Notes
- For a sweet version, drizzle the fry bread with honey or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- For a savory version, top with seasoned ground beef, cheese, lettuce, and salsa for a Navajo taco.
- Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Beef fry bread: Add cooked crumbled beef to the dough for a savory twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Native American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
