Cherokee Fry Bread
This soft and fluffy Cherokee fry bread is a delicious treat that means a lot to me. They're versatile, filling, and so easy to make!
Servings: 10 pieces
Calories: 138kcal
Cost: Recipe $0.70 / Serving $0.07
Ingredients
For Frying
- Oil for frying (about 2 inches deep in skillet)
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour ($0.39)
- 2 tablespoons baking powder ($0.30)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt ($0.01)
- 2 cups water or milk, you may not need all of it ($0.00)
Instructions
- In a large skillet with tall sides, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Slowly add in the water or milk, mixing as you go. You may not need all of the liquid. Add just enough for the dough to come together.
- Take a piece of dough about half the size of your palm. Roll it between your hands as if kneading until smooth and elastic. Lightly flour your hands or work surface to prevent sticking.
- Roll the dough into a ball one final time, then gently flatten it between your hands, stretching it as large as possible without tearing.
- Carefully place the dough into the hot oil one piece at a time (unless your pan is large enough to avoid overlap). Lay it into the oil starting closest to you and working backward, as if tucking it into the oil.
- When the bottom edge turns golden brown, flip using tongs and cook until the second side is golden.
- Remove from the oil and place on paper towels to drain.
- Repeat with remaining dough and serve as desired.
Notes
- This fry bread dough is very forgiving. If it becomes too wet, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a splash more liquid.
- When placing dough into the oil, do so slowly to prevent air bubbles from forming underneath, which can cause the bread to puff into a bowl shape. This doesn’t affect flavor but may leave lighter spots.
- Allow fried bread to rest on paper towels until the entire batch is finished to absorb excess oil.
- Popping air bubbles is optional. Some tribes pierce a hole in the center, believing it helps release evil spirits.
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Serving Ideas:
- Sweet: honey, butter, jam, cinnamon sugar, or powdered sugar
- Savory: seasoned taco meat, lettuce, cheese, and toppings for an Indian taco (open-faced)
Nutrition
Serving: 1piece | Calories: 138kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 606mg | Potassium: 41mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Calcium: 148mg | Iron: 2mg
