Fry bread is a beloved culinary tradition among Alaska Native people. Thank you to the Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s Tyotkas Elders Center for sharing their recipe with us!
INGREDIENTS:
5 pounds (approximately 18 cups) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup powdered milk
3 tablespoons yeast
3 tablespoons salt
7 cups warm water
Lard, shortening or vegetable oil (for frying)
Tools: Mixer with dough hook
DIRECTIONS:
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast and 3 tablespoons sugar. Let sit 5 minutes to bloom. Add the remaining ingredients, including 3/4 cup sugar.
- Mix for 10 minutes using a dough hook.
- Turn your oven to the lowest setting for about 1 minute, then turn it off. This will create a slightly warm environment for proofing.
- Place a small bowl of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven to create humidity.
- Cover the bowl containing your dough with a clean kitchen towel and place on the middle rack. Close the oven door and let the dough rise for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Heat lard, shortening or oil to 365 degrees.
- Take about 3 tablespoons’ worth of dough and form into a ball. Stretch the dough into thin, flat rounds. Make two 1-inch slits into the center of the round. Fry until lightly browned, turning once.
- Drain on paper towels.
- If you like, top with butter, cinnamon and sugar, or with jam made from local berries.
