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)

Salsa Macha
Bowl of thin red salsa shown drizzled over chicken and vegetables.

Salsa Macha

You will love this pepper-infused oil made with hot peppers, garlic and peanuts. It is delicious drizzled on just about anything and stores well in your refrigerator or freezer.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ cups
Apple Sandwiches
Crispy apple slices with peanut butter and raisin filling are shown on a plate.

Apple Sandwiches

Easy and tasty snack that’s fun and creative for kids to make.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Servings
Zucchini Stir-Fry
Small bowl with a tender zucchini and vegetable mix.

Zucchini Stir-Fry

Fast veggie stir fry flavored with lots of umami flavor.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Tuna Quesadillas
Plate of tortillas folded over a tuna, vegetable and cheese mix.

Tuna Quesadillas

10-minute lunch idea with sweet peppers and melted cheese.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 Quesadillas
Stovetop Kamut
Cooked kamut in bowls.

Stovetop Kamut

This nutrient-rich grain has a buttery, rich, nutty flavor with a chewy, firm texture.
Prepare:
8 hours
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ to 3 cups
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Small bowl of spice mix.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Make your own pumpkin pie spice at home that is perfect for flavoring all your favorite fall baked goods.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 Tablespoons
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.