Authentic Native American Frybread Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.
  2. Slowly add water to the mixture while stirring until a dough begins to form. The dough should not be too sticky or too dry.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
  4. Let the dough rest for about 10 minutes.
  5. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Flatten each ball with your hands into a thin round.
  6. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
  7. Fry each round in the hot oil until golden brown and puffed up, about 1-2 minutes per side.
  8. Drain the fried bread on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  9. Repeat with the remaining dough rounds. Serve the frybread warm.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the dry ingredients and water for the dough.
  • Whisk or Fork - To mix the dry ingredients in the bowl and incorporate the water.
  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out and flatten the dough into thin rounds.
  • Frying Pan - A large pan for frying the dough rounds in vegetable oil.
  • Tongs or Slotted Spoon - To flip and remove the frybread from the hot oil.
  • Paper Towels - To drain the excess oil from the fried bread.
  • Flour - For dusting the surface when kneading and rolling out the dough.

Recipe variations

  • Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier and heartier frybread.
  • Add a teaspoon of sugar to the dough for a slightly sweeter frybread.
  • Incorporate spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika into the dough for a flavorful twist.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or a combination of alternative flours like almond flour and tapioca starch.
  • Make a savory version by adding cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or chopped herbs like rosemary or chives to the dough.
  • Create a dessert frybread by dusting the cooked bread with powdered sugar, drizzling with honey or maple syrup, and serving with fresh fruits or a scoop of ice cream.
  • For a healthier option, bake the frybread instead of frying it. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the dough rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet until golden brown.
  • Make a vegetarian or vegan version by substituting the water with plant-based milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, and use vegetable oil or coconut oil for frying.
  • Experiment with different toppings or fillings, such as salsa, guacamole, pulled pork, beans, or even Nutella and bananas.

Recipe overview

Frybread is a simple, yet delicious, Native American bread that you can make with just a handful of basic ingredients. This recipe will guide you through combining flour, salt, baking powder, and water to create a soft dough. After a brief kneading session, the dough gets divided and flattened into rounds which are then fried to golden-brown perfection. The resulting bread is light, fluffy, and ready to be enjoyed with a variety of dishes or on its own. Prepare for a comforting, homemade treat that's a joy to create and even more delightful to eat.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour?
    Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend if preferred.
  2. How can I make the frybread healthier?
    To make it healthier, you can try baking the frybread instead of frying it. Brush each round with a small amount of oil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
  3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.
  4. What can I serve with frybread?
    Frybread can be served as a side dish or as a base for various toppings. It pairs well with savory dishes like chili, stews, or Indian tacos. It can also be enjoyed with sweet toppings like honey, powdered sugar, or fruit preserves.
  5. How do I store leftover frybread?
    If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat the frybread in a toaster or oven to restore its crispiness.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the dry ingredients and water for making the dough.
  • Frying Pan - A pan with deep sides to fry the dough rounds in hot oil.
  • Paper Towels - To drain the excess oil from the fried bread.
  • Flour - To flour the surface while rolling out the dough.
  • Rolling Pin - To flatten the dough into thin rounds.

Origin stories

Frybread is a symbol of resilience and endurance for Native American communities. Its origins trace back to the Long Walk in the 1860s when the Navajo were relocated from Arizona to New Mexico by the U.S. government. Provided with canned goods, sugar, flour, and lard, they created a simple, filling bread that could be quickly made over an open fire. This dish, born out of necessity in harsh times, has become a tradition in Native American culture, often served at gatherings and festivities. Frybread’s story serves as a testament to the strength of a community and its ability to adapt and persevere.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.