Navajo Fry Bread is a golden, pillowy delight that captures the essence of comfort food with its crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior. This traditional Native American recipe is made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a touch of sugar, creating a dough that’s fried to perfection for a beautifully rustic result. Whether served as a savory base topped with refried beans and cheese or as a sweet treat drizzled with honey or dusted with powdered sugar, this versatile dish is a culinary canvas for your favorite flavors. Perfectly puffed and irresistibly satisfying, Navajo Fry Bread is quick to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for weeknight meals, celebrations, or as a warm, nostalgic indulgence.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until evenly distributed.
Slowly add the warm water to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough comes together into a soft, slightly sticky mass.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.
While the dough is resting, heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. The oil should reach a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure consistent frying.
Divide the rested dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten it into a circle about 6-7 inches in diameter. The edges don't have to be perfectly round; a rustic shape is traditional.
Carefully place one piece of dough into the hot oil, laying it away from you to prevent splattering. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and puffed.
Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the fry bread from the oil and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining pieces of dough.
Serve the fry bread warm. For a savory option, top with refried beans, cheese, and salsa. For a sweet treat, sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey.
Serving size | 1569.9 grams (1569.9g) |
---|
Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
---|---|
Calories | 9448 |
Total Fat 949.50g | 1217% |
Saturated Fat 135.70g | 678% |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 3713mg | 161% |
Total Carbohydrate 285.30g | 104% |
Dietary Fiber 9.80g | 35% |
Total Sugars 5.00g | |
Protein 37.20g | 74% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 49mg | 4% |
Iron 17mg | 93% |
Potassium 386mg | 8% |
Source of Calories