Indian Frybread is a traditional Native American dish with a rich history and a delicious, comforting flavor. This versatile bread can be enjoyed sweet or savory and is often served with toppings like honey, powdered sugar, or savory meats and beans. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a craving, this recipe will guide you through creating perfectly golden and crispy frybread at home.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups hot water
- Frying oil
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution. Gradually add the hot water, stirring with a spoon until the dough comes together. The dough will be sticky, which is normal.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rest
Form the dough into a ball and cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Let the dough rest for 45 minutes. This resting period allows the dough to relax, making it easier to shape later.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
After the dough has rested, separate it into 12-16 equal-sized balls. Using your palms and fingertips, gently press each dough ball into a thin, round circle about 4-5 inches in diameter. The circles don’t have to be perfect, but try to keep the thickness even for consistent frying.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a frying pan, heat enough oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. The oil should be deep enough to submerge the dough circles. You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is ready.
Step 5: Fry the Bread
Carefully add one piece of dough at a time to the hot oil. Fry until the bottom side is golden brown, which should take about a minute, depending on the oil’s temperature. Flip the bread and fry the other side until it’s also golden brown. Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning the bread.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once the frybread is golden brown on both sides, remove it from the oil and let it drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve the frybread warm with your choice of toppings, such as honey, powdered sugar, or savory options like taco fillings.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
Indian Frybread is best enjoyed fresh and warm, right after it’s been fried. Serve it as a sweet treat by drizzling honey or sprinkling powdered sugar on top. For a savory option, use it as the base for frybread tacos, topping it with seasoned ground beef, beans, lettuce, cheese, and salsa. You can also serve it with soups and stews to soak up the rich flavors, or as a side dish with chili.
Storage Tips
If you have leftover frybread, allow it to cool completely before storing. Place the frybread in an airtight container, separating each piece with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the frybread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the frybread soggy. If you need to store it for a longer period, frybread can be frozen. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and then warm in the oven.
Variations:
1. Sweet Frybread
For a sweeter twist, sprinkle the warm frybread with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with honey or maple syrup. You can also top it with fresh fruit, like berries or bananas, and a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert-like treat.
2. Frybread Tacos
Transform your frybread into taco bases by topping it with seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and salsa. You can also add sour cream and avocado for extra flavor.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Frybread
Mix cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle it over the frybread while it’s still warm. This variation offers a deliciously sweet and aromatic treat that’s perfect for dessert.
4. Frybread with Bean and Cheese
Top the frybread with refried beans, melted cheese, and your favorite taco toppings like jalapeños, onions, and cilantro. This makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
5. Frybread Pizza
Use the frybread as a pizza crust and add your favorite toppings, such as tomato sauce, cheese, and various meats or vegetables. Bake or broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a quick and easy pizza.
6. Garlic Herb Frybread
Incorporate minced garlic and dried herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) into the dough before frying for a savory variation. This makes a great accompaniment to soups and stews.
7. Frybread with Cream Cheese and Jam
Spread a layer of cream cheese on the frybread and top with your favorite fruit jam or preserves for a sweet, creamy, and fruity snack.
8. Breakfast Frybread
Top the frybread with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese for a hearty breakfast option. Add a side of salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor.
9. Frybread Nachos
Cut the frybread into triangles and top with melted cheese, black beans, jalapeños, and your favorite nacho toppings. Serve with salsa and sour cream for a fun twist on nachos.
10. Spicy Frybread
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough for a spicy kick. You can also top the frybread with spicy salsa or hot sauce to intensify the heat.
These variations provide a range of flavors and uses for Indian Frybread, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
FAQs:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a slightly denser and nuttier flavor. However, the texture of the frybread may be different—more hearty and less tender compared to using all-purpose flour.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
While it’s best to use the dough fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time. Store the covered dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying.
3. What type of oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils can handle the high temperatures needed for frying without burning.
4. Can I bake Indian Frybread instead of frying it?
Baking is not recommended for traditional frybread as it will not achieve the same crispy texture. Frying is essential to get the characteristic light and airy texture of frybread.
5. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
To test the oil’s temperature, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is hot enough. You can also use a kitchen thermometer to check if the oil has reached around 350°F (175°C).
6. Can I freeze Indian Frybread?
Yes, you can freeze frybread. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for best results.
7. What can I use if I don’t have baking powder?
If you don’t have baking powder, you can substitute with baking soda, but you will need an acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) to activate it. Use 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar for each teaspoon of baking powder required.
8. How can I make the frybread crispier?
To achieve extra crispiness, ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the dough and avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Additionally, rolling the dough thinner can help achieve a crisper texture.
9. Can I use a deep fryer instead of a frying pan?
Yes, a deep fryer can be used for frying frybread. It offers more consistent heat and can handle larger batches. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for frying temperatures and times.
10. What can I do with leftover frybread?
Leftover frybread can be repurposed in various ways. Use it as a base for nachos or pizza, top it with your favorite spreads, or even crumble it into soups for added texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Indian Frybread is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer it sweet or savory, this simple recipe will help you create a traditional treat that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting snack, this frybread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.