Indian Frybread Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Maida)

1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder

1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda

2 tablespoons Yogurt

1 tablespoon Sugar

1/2 teaspoon Salt

Water, as required

Oil, for frying

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.

Mix these dry ingredients well.

Add the yogurt into the dry ingredients. Start kneading the dough, adding water gradually as required.

Once the dough comes together, knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for an hour. This will allow the dough to rise and the gluten to develop, resulting in soft and fluffy frybread.

After an hour, divide the dough into equal-sized balls (about the size of a golf ball).

Heat oil in a deep frying pan. While the oil is heating up, roll out each ball of dough into a thin, round disc.

To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it floats to the top almost immediately, the oil is ready.

Carefully slide the rolled dough into the hot oil. Press gently on the dough with a slotted spoon to help it puff up.

Fry the bread until it turns golden brown on both sides.

Remove the bread from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

Serve your Indian Frybread hot with a side of Chole (spicy chickpea curry) or simply with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Notes

Make sure your dough is smooth and well-kneaded. This ensures your frybread turns out soft and fluffy.

The oil temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect puffiness. If the oil is too hot, the bread will brown quickly but won’t puff up. If it’s too cool, the bread will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Remember to drain the frybread on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil. This will keep your Frybread crisp and light.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Indian Frybread, and where does it originate?

Indian Frybread, also known as fry bread or fried bread, is a traditional Native American dish.

Its exact origin is debated, but it has been a staple in the diets of many Native American tribes, particularly in the Southwestern United States.

It’s a deep-fried flatbread that can be served sweet or savory.

What’s the purpose of yogurt in the frybread recipe?

Yogurt is added to the frybread dough to provide moisture, tenderness, and a slight tangy flavor.

It also helps activate the leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda), contributing to the bread’s rise and texture.

Can I make the dough in advance and store it?

While the dough benefits from a resting period to allow the gluten to develop, it’s best to prepare and fry the Indian frybread immediately after forming the dough into balls.

If you need to prepare it in advance, you can refrigerate the dough for a short time but bring it back to room temperature before frying for the best results.

What are some common toppings or fillings for Indian Frybread?

Indian Frybread can be served in various ways.

Common toppings or fillings include powdered sugar, honey, jam, cinnamon sugar, or savory options like ground meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

It’s versatile and can be customized to your taste.

How do I achieve the perfect texture when frying Indian Frybread?

Achieving the perfect texture involves getting the oil temperature right.

Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking before adding the dough.

Test the oil with a small piece of dough; if it sizzles and floats to the top quickly, it’s ready.

Also, be mindful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and affect the frybread’s texture

What is the significance of using yogurt in Indian Frybread?

Yogurt serves multiple purposes in this recipe.

It adds moisture to the dough, helps activate the leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda), and contributes to the bread’s texture and flavor.

The yogurt also provides a slight tangy taste to the frybread.

How do I know when the frybread dough is kneaded to the right consistency?

Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

You’ll notice that it becomes less sticky and more cohesive as you knead.

This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

When the dough no longer sticks excessively to your hands or the work surface, it’s ready.

Why is it essential to let the dough rest for an hour?

Allowing the dough to rest for an hour is crucial because it allows the gluten to develop.

This resting period results in a softer and fluffier frybread when it’s fried. It also helps the dough relax, making it easier to work with when rolling out into discs.

Can I use any type of oil for frying Indian Frybread?

Yes, you can use various types of oil for frying, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or even sunflower oil.

Choose an oil with a high smoke point to ensure it can withstand the frying temperature without smoking or developing off-flavors.

What are some common variations or toppings for Indian Frybread?

Indian Frybread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed with both sweet and savory toppings.

Common sweet variations include powdered sugar, honey, jams, and cinnamon sugar.

On the savory side, you can top it with ground meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, or even salsa.

It’s a blank canvas for creativity in the kitchen.