Native Cree Bannock Bread

Discover the timeless simplicity of Native Cree Bannock Bread, a traditional recipe steeped in Indigenous heritage and perfect for any occasion. This versatile bread comes together with just a handful of pantry staples like all-purpose flour, baking powder, and butter or lard, creating a soft, tender dough that's easy to work with. Bannock can be fried until golden and crispy or baked for a fluffy, biscuit-like texture, making it a deliciously adaptable choice for your table. Ideal for pairing with soups, stews, or sweet spreads like jam and honey, this recipe is a comforting nod to tradition that’s quick to prepare in under 30 minutes. Whether you're exploring cultural cuisine or simply seeking a rustic bread recipe, this bannock is a must-try dish that blends history, flavor, and practicality seamlessly.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 cup Lard or unsalted butter
• 1.5 cups Water or milk
• 0.25 cup Vegetable oil or lard for frying (if pan-frying)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

Step 2

Add the lard (or unsalted butter) to the bowl. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, mix the fat into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3

Gradually add the water or milk to the mixture, a little at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.

Step 4

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it just enough to bring it together, about 3-4 times. The dough should be slightly sticky but workable.

Step 5

For frying: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil or lard. While the oil heats, divide the dough into 8 equal portions and flatten each into a disc about 1/2-inch thick.

Step 6

Fry each disc of dough for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 7

For baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the dough into a single thick disk about 1 inch thick and place it on a greased baking sheet or cast-iron skillet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8

Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, or your favorite stew.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	992.8 grams (992.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2823

Total Fat 123.90g	159%
Saturated Fat 32.70g	164%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 57mg	19%
Sodium 5061mg	220%
Total Carbohydrate 379.00g	138%
Dietary Fiber 13.10g	47%
Total Sugars 1.00g
Protein 49.60g	99%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 65mg	5%
Iron 22mg	124%
Potassium 515mg	11%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.4%

Protein: 7.0%

Carbs: 53.6%