Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Indian Fry Bread is an easy and delicious comfort food. The dough is quick to prepare, and the result is a warm, crispy bread that can be enjoyed with almost anything. The simple ingredients make it a go-to recipe, and its versatility means you can experiment with toppings to suit your preferences. It’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or even as a special treat for yourself!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water
- Vegetable oil for frying
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well. Gradually add the warm water, stirring to form a dough. Once it starts coming together, knead the dough for about 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rest the dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes.
- Heat the oil: While the dough is resting, heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 2 inches deep, and it needs to be hot enough to fry the dough (around 350°F or 175°C).
- Shape the bread: After resting, divide the dough into small balls (about 8 pieces). Roll each ball into a flat circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Fry the bread: Gently place the dough circles into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the bread and make sure it cooks evenly.
- Drain excess oil: Once the fry bread is golden and crispy, remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the fry bread warm with your favorite toppings or as a side dish to your meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 pieces
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Frying time: 15 minutes (about 2-3 minutes per bread)
Variations
- Sweet version: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey for a sweet treat.
- Savory version: Top with beans, taco meat, cheese, and lettuce for a savory fry bread taco.
- Stuffed fry bread: Add a filling like cheese, ground meat, or vegetables before frying for a stuffed version of the bread.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a hot skillet or oven to maintain its crispiness, or enjoy it cold as a snack.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before frying.
2. Can I bake the fry bread instead of frying it?
For a healthier version, you can bake the dough at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, although it won’t be as crispy as fried fry bread.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, nuttier flavor, but it will affect the texture of the fry bread.
4. How can I make the fry bread softer?
To make the fry bread softer, make sure not to over-knead the dough, and avoid over-frying. You can also use a little more water for a softer texture.
5. Can I freeze fry bread?
Yes, you can freeze fry bread. After frying and cooling, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat by placing it in a hot skillet or oven.
6. Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Yes! Feel free to add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or even chopped herbs to the dough for a different flavor.
7. Can I make fry bread without baking powder?
Baking powder is essential for the light, fluffy texture of fry bread. If you don’t have it, you can try substituting with an equal amount of self-rising flour.
8. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
Drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the top quickly, the oil is hot enough. If it sinks, the oil needs more heat.
9. Can I use a deep fryer instead of a pan?
Yes, a deep fryer works great for frying fry bread. Just make sure to keep the oil at the proper temperature (350°F or 175°C).
10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may differ slightly.
Conclusion
Traditional Indian Fry Bread is a quick and satisfying treat that can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you enjoy it sweet or savory, this bread is versatile and easy to prepare. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, from family meals to parties, and it’s sure to be a hit every time you make it!
Print
Traditional Indian Fry Bread
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Traditional Indian Fry Bread is a golden, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether topped with sweet honey and powdered sugar or savory meats and beans, this versatile fry bread is simple to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 cup warm water
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
-
Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well. Gradually add the warm water, stirring to form a dough. Once it starts coming together, knead the dough for about 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
-
Rest the dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes.
-
Heat the oil: While the dough is resting, heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 2 inches deep and need to be hot enough to fry the dough (around 350°F or 175°C).
-
Shape the bread: After resting, divide the dough into small balls (about 8 pieces). Roll each ball into a flat circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
-
Fry the bread: Gently place the dough circles into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the bread and ensure it cooks evenly.
-
Drain excess oil: Once the fry bread is golden and crispy, remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
-
Serve: Serve the fry bread warm with your favorite toppings or as a side dish to your meal.
Notes
Sweet version: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey for a sweet treat.
Savory version: Top with beans, taco meat, cheese, and lettuce for a savory fry bread taco.
Stuffed fry bread: Add a filling like cheese, ground meat, or vegetables before frying for a stuffed version of the bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
