Navajo Taco Fry Bread Food

AUTHENTIC NAVAJO INDIAN FRY BREAD (TACO BREAD)

Steps:

• In a heavy large frying pan heat the oil to 365 degrees; Oil is hot enough if a small test piece of dough dropped in the oil begins cooking almost immediately and rises to the top.
• Mix together dry ingredients in a large bowl; *see note about salt.
• Gradually add warm milk and mix to make a soft dough.
• When the dough has pulled together, cover and let sit in a warm place for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Break off a golf ball sized piece of dough and pat it out flat in your hand, no thicker than 1/4 inch.
• Place 2 or 3 flats at a time into the hot oil and when they begin to bubble flip them over and fry until they're a nice light golden brown.
• Remove and drain on paper towels then serve hot (keep them covered in a bowl until you're done frying).
• You can make larger flats; just make sure they're no thicker than 1/4" and fry one at a time.

NAVAJO TACOS (INDIAN FRY BREAD)

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the warm water and mix using a fork until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, then transfer to a clean bowl and cover tightly in plastic wrap. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
• Divide the dough into 8 equal sections by pinching off golf-ball sized balls of dough, then pat and roll out the dough balls into roughly 6-inch discs on a lightly floured surface. Keep them covered with plastic wrap while you prepare to fry them.
• Heat 3 cups of oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the oil temperature reaches between 350 and 360 degrees F. Working in batches, fry each disc in the hot oil until the dough is golden brown on one side, then carefully flip with tongs and fry on the other side. Set on a paper towel to drain oil and stick in a warm oven to stay hot while the other fry bread is cooked.
• In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat, then add the onions and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they begin to soften. Add the meat and brown with the onions.
• When the meat is no longer pink, add all of the spices, kidney beans, tomatoes, and chilies, and decrease the heat to medium-low. Stir everything together, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes, then use to top Indian fry bread for Navajo tacos.
• Add any toppings you like to the base of fry bread and taco mixture, piling it high.

NAVAJO TACOS ON FRY BREAD

Steps:

• CHILI: Sort and discard debris from beans and rinse well.
• Place beans in 3-4 quart pot with water; bring to a boil on high heat. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain beans and set aside.
• Rinse pot and return to medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and ground beef and cook till meat is browned.
• Drain the grease and add all remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil on high heat; reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until beans are tender.
• FRY BREAD: Mix together flour, dry milk, baking powder, and salt. Add shortening and rub mixture with fingers till coarse crumbs form.
• Add water and stir with a fork till dough clings together.
• Knead on a lightly floured surface till smooth (2-3 minutes).
• Divide into 6 portions and keep covered with plastic wrap.
• Shape each into a 6-7 inch circle.
• In a 9x2 inch pan or electric skillet, heat 3/4 inch canola oil to 375 degrees. Fry each piece of dough till it is puffy and golden brown, turning once with tongs.
• Keep warm in 200 degree oven on baking sheets lined with paper towels till ready to serve.
• TO SERVE: Top each piece of fry bread with chili, and as many toppings as you like.

NAVAJO FRY BREAD - TRADITIONAL

Steps:

• Mix the flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Gradually stir in the water and work it in, adding more water a little at a time, if needed.
• Knead by hand until soft but not sticky. Form the dough into a round ball, cover and let stand for about 30 minutes. Shape into 2" balls.
• Heat shortening or cooking oil in a 1 1/2 " deep frying pan until hot.
• Flatten each ball of dough by patting and stretching into a pizza shape. Carefully place the dough into the hot oil.
• Fry until edges of the bread are golden and turn to cook the other side. Makes 4-5 pieces.
• Layer the beans, chilis, onion, tomato,lettuce, cheese and if desired sour cream dollops on top of each piece of fry bread to make Navajo (or Indian) Tacos
• Fry bread may be served with stews or drizzled with honey or powdered sugar for dessert. Many Navajo cooks prefer to use "Bluebird" a high-gluten flour, in this recipe. Variations: The Navajo Nation in Window Rock serves a taco topped with chicken, chili beans without the beef and the remaining ingredients.

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.

NAVAJO TACOS

Steps:

• To make fry bread: Mix dry ingredients.
• Stir in water.
• Knead dough lightly; cover and let rest 15 minutes.
• Heat 1" vegetable oil in a 10" skillet.
• Pinch off dough in small amounts and pat dough into thin 8" circles.
• In the hot oil, quickly brown on both sides.
• Drain on paper towels.
• To make filling: Brown ground beef and onion, drain.
• Add beans and garlic salt.
• Simmer 10- 15 minutes.
• To Serve: Spoon filling onto frybread.
• Top with grated cheeses, salsa, lettuce, onion, or whatever sounds good.