Indian Fry Bread, often enjoyed as Navajo Tacos, is a delicious fusion of crispy, fluffy bread topped with seasoned meat and fresh taco fixings. This dish is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, offering a satisfying meal that can be easily customized with your favorite toppings. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients:
For the Fry Bread:
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Toppings:
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salsa, for serving
Directions:
Prepare the Fry Bread:
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add 1 cup of warm water, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth. Divide the dough into 8 balls and flatten each into a disc.
Fry the Bread: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each disc until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Toppings:
Cook the Meat: In another skillet, cook 1 lb of ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Add taco seasoning according to the package instructions.
Assemble the Tacos: Top each fry bread with the cooked meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced black olives, sour cream, and salsa.
Serving Tips:
Hot and Fresh: Serve the fry bread hot and freshly made for the best texture and flavor. You can keep the fry bread warm by placing it in a low oven (about 200°F or 93°C) while you prepare the toppings.
Customizable Toppings: Allow everyone to customize their own Navajo Tacos with a variety of toppings. Set up a taco bar with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sliced olives, sour cream, and salsa for a fun and interactive meal.
Pairing Suggestions: Indian Fry Bread pairs well with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with additional salsa or guacamole for extra flavor.
Presentation: For a visually appealing presentation, layer the toppings neatly on the fry bread, and garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions.
Storage Tips:
Storing Fry Bread: If you have leftover fry bread, let it cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Stored properly, it will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the fry bread.
Freezing Fry Bread: To freeze, wrap each piece of fry bread individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until crispy.
Storing Toppings: Store leftover toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Most toppings will keep well for 3-4 days. Be sure to keep items like sour cream and salsa refrigerated.
Reheating Toppings: Reheat meat and other hot toppings in a skillet or microwave. For best results, reheat gently to avoid drying out.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I make the Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos) ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fry bread in advance. After frying, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the fry bread as described in the storage tips. When ready to serve, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until crispy.
Can I use a different type of flour for the fry bread?
All-purpose flour is ideal for fry bread due to its balance of protein and texture. However, you can experiment with other types of flour, such as whole wheat or gluten-free flour, though this may alter the texture and flavor. If using a substitute, be aware that the results might differ from the traditional version.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can modify the recipe to suit vegetarian or vegan diets. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based taco seasoning and replace the ground meat with a vegetarian alternative like lentils, beans, or a store-bought meat substitute. For a vegan version, use a plant-based alternative for the sour cream and ensure the taco seasoning is free of animal-derived ingredients.
How can I keep the fry bread crispy if I need to serve it later?
To keep fry bread crispy, avoid covering it with a lid or plastic wrap while it’s still warm. Instead, place it on a wire rack to cool and store it in an open container or loosely wrapped. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes before serving to restore its crispiness.
Conclusion:
Indian Fry Bread topped with seasoned meat and fresh veggies is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a hearty snack. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a fun twist on traditional tacos.
📖 Recipe:
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Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Indian Fry Bread (Navajo Tacos) features deliciously crispy and fluffy fry bread topped with seasoned meat and fresh taco fixings. This hearty and customizable dish combines the best of tacos with the irresistible texture of homemade fry bread, making it perfect for a satisfying meal that can be tailored to your taste.
Ingredients
For the Fry Bread:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Toppings:
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup sour cream
Salsa, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Fry Bread:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth. Divide into 8 balls and flatten each into discs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each disc until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Toppings:
- In another skillet, cook ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Add taco seasoning according to package instructions.
- Top each fry bread with cooked meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced black olives, sour cream, and salsa.
Notes
For best results, serve the fry bread hot and fresh.
Customize toppings based on personal preference, such as adding guacamole or jalapeños.
Store leftover fry bread at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American (Native American)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
