Dive into a taste of tradition with our Simple Fry Bread recipe. A staple of many Indigenous cultures, fry bread holds a special place in the hearts and kitchens of families across the globe. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can create this crispy, golden bread that’s perfect for sopping up stews, slathering with butter and honey, or enjoying on its own. Join us as we explore the art of making fry bread and share our favorite tips and variations for creating this beloved dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3/4 cup Water
Instructions:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add Water: Gradually add the water to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rest: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
- Shape the Dough: After resting, divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Use your hands to flatten each ball into a round disc, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C) on a deep-fry thermometer. You can also test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into the hot oil – if it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready.
- Fry the Bread: Carefully place the dough rounds into the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the bread for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Once fried, transfer the fry bread to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve the fry bread warm with your favorite toppings or alongside your favorite dishes.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Sweet Fry Bread: For a sweet twist, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to the dough mixture. Serve the sweet fry bread with powdered sugar, honey, or cinnamon-sugar for a delicious dessert or snack.
- Savory Fry Bread: Add a pinch of your favorite herbs or spices to the dough for a savory version of fry bread. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even grated cheese for extra flavor.
- Stuffed Fry Bread: Make a pocket in the center of each dough round and fill it with your favorite savory fillings, such as cooked ground beef, beans, cheese, and vegetables, before frying.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Fry Bread: To make a keto-friendly version of fry bread, you can substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour. Use a low-carb baking powder and skip the sugar. Instead of water, you can use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk to bring the dough together.
Low-Carb Fry Bread: For a low-carb version, you can use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour in place of the all-purpose flour. Reduce the amount of baking powder to 1/2 tablespoon, and omit the sugar entirely. Fry the bread in coconut oil or ghee for a flavorful low-carb option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour and baking powder? A: Yes, you can use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour and baking powder. However, you may need to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe since self-rising flour already contains salt.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it? A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before chilling. Let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and frying.
Q: Can I bake the fry bread instead of frying it? A: While traditionally fry bread is fried in oil, you can bake it in the oven for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the shaped dough rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Whether you enjoy it sweet or savory, fried or baked, Simple Fry Bread is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of kitchen know-how, you can create this timeless classic from scratch. Experiment with different flavors and toppings to make it your own, and savor the rich cultural history and culinary tradition of fry bread with every bite.
