Ancestors Speak – Fry Bread

Picture of fry bread from whatsupwithus.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/frybread2.jpg

 

 

 

As we get more and more information about living more simply, and working with the food that is easily found around us, I wondered what kind of recipes our ancestors used to stave off hunger.  I also wondered whether this could be done over an open fire or on a charcoal barbeque.  This simple fry bread recipe comes from North America, from the Cherokee and from the West Coast tribes.  It is however, quite similar to the fry bread recipes of Latvia, Ireland, Wales, and Russia. Which proves, I guess, that the traditions do travel around the world. 

I have eaten fry bread many times, and I am using these recipes to make fry bread (fry bread and jam or preserves is awesome!). 

Fry Bread

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 1-1/3 cups warm water
• vegetable oil for frying
• honey

Combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the water and knead the dough until soft. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured board until 1/4" thick. Cut out 4" rounds. Heat 1"-2" of oil in a saucepan. Fry the bread until puffed. Turn bread when edges are brown. Brown on both sides. Serve with honey.

Fry Bread – West Coast Style…

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

4 cups shortening for frying

Combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir in 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water. Knead until soft but not sticky. Shape dough into balls about 3 inches in diameter. Flatten into patties 1/2 inch thick, and make a small hole in the center of each patty.   Fry one at a time in 1 inch of hot shortening, turning to brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

I would love to hear how your fry bread turned out, and what your favourite way is to eat it!

Happy Easter,   Judy@angelsandancestors.com   See our articles at   http://www.angelsandancestors.com