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Fry Bread

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description Fry Bread Overview

Fry bread is a Native American fried dough made from wheat flour, salt, water or milk, and shortening or lard, then deep-fried until puffed and golden. It developed among the Navajo during the 1864 Long Walk, when displaced communities received U.S. government rations and adapted to unfamiliar flour and fat. It is eaten plain, with honey or jam, or as the base for Navajo tacos, and is now a widespread Indigenous food with layered historical meaning.

help Fry Bread FAQ

How did Native American fry bread originate?

Fry bread was created in 1864 during the Long Walk, when the Navajo were forcibly displaced from their lands. They adapted to the U.S. government rations of wheat flour, salt, and lard to create this deep-fried dough.

What ingredients are used to make traditional fry bread?

The basic ingredients include wheat flour, salt, water or milk, and a fat such as shortening or lard. The dough is then deep-fried in hot oil until it puffs up and achieves a golden, crispy exterior.

How is fry bread typically eaten?

It can be served sweet, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with honey, or served savory. One of the most popular savory preparations is the Indian Taco, where the bread is topped with chili, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Is fry bread considered a controversial food?

While it is a unifying staple at modern powwows, it is also viewed by some as a symbol of colonization and survival. Health advocates also point out that its high fat and calorie content contributes to modern health issues in Indigenous communities.

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