Traditional Indian Fry Bread Recipe
This Traditional Indian Fry Bread recipe offers a simple and authentic way to make crispy, golden-fried dough that is soft on the inside and perfect as a base for savory dishes like Navajo Tacos or enjoyed with sweet toppings. The dough is made from basic pantry ingredients and fried to perfection in hot oil, making it a delightful treat or meal accompaniment.
- Author: Tara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 fry breads 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Native American, Indian-inspired
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to reach at least 1 inch depth in pan)
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the milk while stirring until the mixture starts to come together and form a dough ball. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead gently, taking care not to overwork it. Then return the dough to the bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to rest.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or kettle until it is at least one inch deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) ensuring it’s hot enough for frying.
- Shape the Dough: Remove the chilled dough and divide it into four equal parts. On a floured surface, pat and roll each piece into a disc roughly the size of a baseball and about 1/4 inch thick. Poke a hole in the center of each disc with your finger or a knife to allow even frying and to keep the bread flat during cooking.
- Fry the Bread: Carefully place each dough disc into the hot oil. Fry until the bottom side turns golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown as well. The entire frying time will be approximately 3 minutes depending on thickness and oil temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fry bread from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite sweet toppings or use as the base for Navajo Tacos by adding beans, meat, vegetables, and sauces.
Notes
- Be careful not to over-knead the dough to keep the fry bread tender.
- Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
- The hole in the center helps the bread cook evenly and prevents puffing up too much.
- This fry bread is best enjoyed fresh and warm for optimal texture and flavor.
- You can customize toppings to your preference, from sweet (honey, powdered sugar) to savory (cheese, beans, meat).
Keywords: Indian fry bread, traditional fry bread, homemade bread, fried dough, Navajo tacos base, easy fry bread recipe