The first time I ever tried fry bread was at a Pow Wow in South Dakota . I have attended several Pow Wows over the
years and love the experience of learning more about the Native American
culture and of course their food.
This picture was taken at a Tama Pow Wow last year. Eddie and his family went with me making the
experience even more special. Small
children learn how to dance at a very early age. Their dance is a prayer.
Being Native American is part of my heritage that was hidden from family
members because of a sad history of hatred and ignorance. My great grandfather’s mother was
Cherokee. I have fallen in love with
their culture and take great pride in being part Cherokee.
So in honor of my proud heritage, I’m sharing a simple fry
bread recipe today. Like your Mexican
tortilla, you can turn them into a dessert, use just as bread or fill it with
meat and veggies like a taco.
3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cups milk
Water
Lard (you may use a healthier substitute like vegetable oil if you like)
Stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir with a fork as you pour in the milk; keep stirring for a bit to get
it to come together as much as possible. Add very slowly just enough water (about 1/4 to
1/2 cup) to get it to come together. This varies with the weather. Cover the bowl with a dish towel and let
it sit for 35 to 45 minutes to rest.
When you're ready to make the fry bread, heat about 1 to 2
inches of lard in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Make sure your shortening is hot. Grab a gulf
ball size piece of dough and press it into a circle with your fingers; place it
on a clean surface and begin pressing in the center and work your way out,
stretching it as you go. It is all done
with your fingers. You get better as you
go.
When the circle is about 4 to 7 inches (however big you want
it) carefully lay it into the hot skillet. Allow it to fry on one side until
golden brown, about 1 minute, and then carefully flip it to the other side
using tongs. Fry it for another 30 to 45 seconds.
Remove the fry bread to a paper towel lined plate and allow
it to drain while you fry the other pieces.
You can serve with honey; dust them with powdered sugar or
cinnamon and sugar. I do this also with
cut up tortillas.
You can also fill it with taco fillings.
This flat bread probably goes back many hundreds of
years. It not only is and was a food staple,
but was used as an eating utensil. Something
so simple filled with so much history.
Hope you have a great day.
Be happy and may God bless you and yours.
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