Native American Bread Recipes

NATIVE AMERICAN BREAD

Steps:

• Begin by making an open fire oven with coals.
• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let stand for 5 minutes. In a separate large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and lard. Knead thoroughly, and then add the yeast mixture and continue to knead until it has reached a dough consistency.
• Cover dough with a clean kitchen towel and set in a warm dark place to let rise for 45 minutes.
• Divide dough in half and knead again to remove any air pockets. Place each half in a separate aluminum pan and press the dough down.
• Push the coals and ashes of the fire to one side, but do not put fire out. Place the aluminum pans on the clean ground of the open fire oven, and bake for 45 minutes.
• Slice and serve with butter.

NATIVE AMERICAN FRY BREAD

Steps:

• Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the mixture.
• Dissolve yeast in the warm water in a small bowl. Pour into the middle of the flour mixture. Mix together lightly and rapidly until dough is moist and soft. Allow dough to rise slightly, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Pinch off a 2-inch piece of dough with well-floured fingers. Stretch it into a round 5 to 6 inches in diameter, working in more flour if needed.
• Deep-fry dough until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining dough.

NATIVE CREE BANNOCK BREAD

Steps:

• In the bowl, mix the flour and lard together by hand, and then add the baking powder, salt and the currants, raisins or sultanas.
• Next, add the water and work the ingredients into a dough.
• Now, you have two options: the camp fire or the oven.
• To cook over a camp fire, divide the dough into four lumps and firmly wrap each lump around the end of a four foot stick and prop securely over the fire until golden brown.
• To cook in an oven, spread the dough out into a 16" square cake pan.
• Bake at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

NAVAJO FRY BREAD II

Steps:

• In a large heavy bottomed frying pan, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil or lard to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and milk; mix well. When the dough has pulled together, form it into small balls and pat them flat.
• Place 3 or 4 at a time into the hot oil. When the rounds begin to bubble, flip them over and cook until golden. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.