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)

Spring Fling Vegetable Chowder
Bowl of soup with asparagus and potatoes topped with cheddar cheese.

Spring Fling Vegetable Chowder

A delicious chowder packed with spring vegetables, hearty potatoes and topped with tangy cheddar cheese.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Southwestern Stuffed Potatoes
Platter of potatoes stuffed with beans, corn, salsa and sprinkled with melted cheese.

Southwestern Stuffed Potatoes

A simple microwave recipe with tender potatoes topped with southwest-style toppings and creamy cheese.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 potato halves
Skillet Corn Chowder
Bowls of creamy corn soup garnished with microgreens.

Skillet Corn Chowder

Only 5 ingredients to make this creamy, cheesy, and comforting chowder.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Tuna Pasta Salad
Bowl of macaroni noodles with tuna and vegetable cubes.

Tuna Pasta Salad

Classic summer dish with macaroni, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Baked Apple Chips
Slices of dried apples sprinkled with cinnamon are displayed on a platter.

Baked Apple Chips

Simple yet tasty snack or dessert recipe combining sweet apples and warm cinnamon spice. Only 2 ingredients!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
2 hours
Makes:
2 Cups
Butternut Apple Crisp
Butternut squash and apples are topped with a cinnamon-spiced oat crumble baked to a golden brown.

Butternut Apple Crisp

Great dessert that combines warm and comforting fall flavors.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Was this page helpful to you?