Skip to main content

Rosanna’s Fry Bread

Fry bread was a survival food for many Indigenous People. Today it represents resilience and is enjoyed for holidays, pow wows and other gatherings.
Platter of stacked golden fry bread.
Prep time: 1 hour (includes mixing, resting, and dividing)
Cook time: 20 minutes per batch
Makes: 8 pieces
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
½ teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoon baking powder
1 cup warm (not hot) water
4 cups vegetable oil, divided

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups flour, salt, and baking powder.
  3. Make a well in the flour mixture and slowly add warm water. Stir to form a sticky dough.
  4. Sprinkle ½ cup flour over the dough. Knead dough lightly with your hands just until it becomes soft and no longer sticky. Do not over knead.
  5. Use 1 Tablespoon oil to cover all surfaces of the dough. Cover the bowl and let dough rise on the counter for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
  6. Make 8 balls of dough about the size of an egg (about ¼ cup).
  7. Pour the rest of the oil to fill a 10-inch skillet about ¾-inch deep. Heat on medium-high until the oil reaches 375 degrees F using a food thermometer. When the oil temperature is right, a small pinch of dough placed in the oil will rise to the top right away. If the oil is smoking, it is too hot.
  8. Gently flatten and stretch the ball by hand into a disc about ½ to ¼-inch thick.
  9. Carefully put a piece of dough into the hot oil to avoid splashing. Fry until golden brown, about 45 to 60 seconds. Using tongs, turn the bread over and fry until golden brown, about 45 to 60 seconds.
  10. Using tongs, move the fry bread to a paper-lined bowl. Repeat until all pieces are cooked.
  11. Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days.

Notes

  • Top with chili, taco fillings, fruit sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
  • Make with half whole-wheat flour for more whole grains.

Thanks to Rosanna Sanders-Wallulatum of the Confederated Tribes of Warms Springs for the recipe.

Comments

The fry bread is easy and fun to make and very tasty. We made a version with half whole-wheat flour and liked them very much. 

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Zucchini Zowie
Bowl of baked zucchini with a cheesy tomato sauce.

Zucchini Zowie

Simple 4-ingredient meal with veggies topped with parmesan cheese. Ready in about an hour!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Blueberry Tofu Smoothie
Tofu blended with a mix of fruits makes a creamy smoothie in a glass.

Blueberry Tofu Smoothie

Kid-approved, this dairy-free smoothie is super quick to make for a tasty breakfast or snack.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Sesame Broccoli
Bowl of tender broccoli sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Sesame Broccoli

Sauteed broccoli with a savory sesame sauce. Ready in 30 minutes or less!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Red Cabbage with Apples
Plate of sauteed cabbage and apples.

Red Cabbage with Apples

A sweet and savor combination of sauteed cabbage, onion and apples that makes a perfect side dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Baked Carrot Fries
 Plate of Baked Carrot Fries and bowl of dipping sauce.

Baked Carrot Fries

Kids of all ages will love these baked fries. Add a dipping sauce for more fun and flavor.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 to 20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Tuna Cabbage Salad
Tuna Cabbage Salad served on slices of toast.

Tuna Cabbage Salad

Light and healthy salad with shredded cabbage and a creamy dressing.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.