Navajo fry bread is a traditional Native American dish that is both simple and delicious. This versatile bread can be enjoyed on its own, with sweet toppings like honey or powdered sugar, or as a base for savory dishes like tacos. The crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior make it a favorite comfort food for many.
The ingredients for Navajo fry bread are quite basic and should be easily found in most kitchens. However, if you don't have baking powder or vegetable oil on hand, you will need to pick these up at the supermarket. Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the dough rise, while vegetable oil is used for frying the bread to a golden brown perfection.
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Ingredients For Navajo Fry Bread Recipe
Flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread.
Water: Combines with the dry ingredients to form the dough.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the dough to achieve a crispy, golden brown exterior.
Technique Tip for Navajo Fry Bread
When kneading the dough, make sure to use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself. This helps develop the gluten, giving the fry bread a better texture. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on your hands and the surface.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, though it may make the fry bread slightly denser.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: For those with gluten intolerance, a gluten-free flour blend can be used to achieve a similar texture.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder needed.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement and may add a slightly different mineral flavor.
warm water - Substitute with milk: Using milk can make the dough richer and give the fry bread a slightly softer texture.
vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a similar frying temperature and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative.
vegetable oil - Substitute with lard: Traditional Navajo fry bread often uses lard, which can add a richer flavor and crispier texture.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How To Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the fry bread to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
- Wrap each piece of fry bread individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they stay fresh and prevents them from sticking together.
- Place the wrapped fry bread in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This provides an extra layer of protection against moisture and air.
- Store the container or bag in a cool, dry place if you plan to consume the fry bread within 1-2 days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator, where it can last up to a week.
- For freezing, lay the wrapped fry bread flat on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. This method prevents the fry bread from sticking together.
- Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of freshness. Frozen fry bread can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the fry bread at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Once thawed, warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a microwave for 20-30 seconds, though this may result in a softer texture.
- For a crispier texture, consider reheating the fry bread in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side. This method helps restore some of the original crunch.
- Avoid reheating fry bread multiple times, as this can lead to a loss of flavor and texture. Reheat only the amount you plan to consume immediately.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wrap each piece of Navajo fry bread in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Place the wrapped bread on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm.
- For a crispier texture, unwrap the bread for the last 2-3 minutes of heating.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Lightly brush both sides of the fry bread with a bit of vegetable oil.
- Place the bread in the skillet and heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through and slightly crispy.
Microwave Method:
- Place the Navajo fry bread on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check and add more time in 10-second increments if needed, but be careful not to overheat as it can become tough.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly brush the fry bread with a bit of vegetable oil.
- Place the bread in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until warm and slightly crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, and to mix in the warm water to form the dough.
Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the flour and warm water.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the baking powder and salt.
Wooden spoon: Useful for mixing the ingredients together until a dough forms.
Clean surface: Needed for kneading the dough until it becomes smooth.
Knife: Used to divide the dough into 4 pieces.
Rolling pin: Helps to flatten each piece of dough into a round disc.
Frying pan: Used to heat the vegetable oil and fry the dough discs.
Paper towels: Placed on a plate to drain the excess oil from the fried bread.
Tongs: Useful for flipping the dough discs in the frying pan and removing them once they are golden brown.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and mix the dry ingredients in advance to save time when you're ready to cook.
Use a stand mixer: Let a stand mixer do the kneading for you, freeing up your hands for other tasks.
Preheat oil: Start heating the vegetable oil while you shape the dough discs to streamline the frying process.
Flatten dough uniformly: Use a rolling pin to quickly and evenly flatten the dough, ensuring consistent cooking times.
Batch frying: Fry multiple pieces at once if your pan is large enough, reducing overall cooking time.
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Navajo Fry Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Warm water
- as needed Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the warm water and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 4 pieces and flatten each piece into a round disc.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry each disc until golden brown on both sides, then drain on paper towels.
Nutritional Value
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