Little River Fry Bread(Makes 4 Servings; Prep Time: 15 Minutes)

Prep: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Native American

Little River Fry Bread offers a crispy, golden exterior with a soft interior, perfect for topping with sweet or savory accompaniments, ideal for sharing with family and friends.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 c. meal
  • 2 1/2 c. water, boiling
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 pkg. yeast
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 4 c. flour

Instructions

  1. Bring water to a boil; dampen 1/2 cup meal with cold water. Stir into boiling water until thick.
  2. Cool the mixture.
  3. Add yeast, baking powder, salt, sugar, and flour to the cooled mixture.
  4. Mix until the dough is very stiff.
  5. Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the dough and let rise again.
  7. Fry the dough until golden brown and cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your water is boiling before adding the meal to avoid lumps. If you don't have meal, you can use cornmeal or polenta as a substitute. Adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference; you can reduce it for a less sweet dough. If you want to make it vegan, simply omit the sugar or use a vegan-friendly alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fry bread warm, topped with honey, jam, or savory toppings like taco meat or beans for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Potato-Fiddlehead Salad or can be enjoyed as a side with Couvillion (Fish) for a delicious combo. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fry bread in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Little River Fry Bread(Makes 4 Servings; Prep Time: 15 Minutes) contains roughly 459 calories, with 18g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (40% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

459 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.3g 37% DV
Total Fat 1.4g 2% DV
Carbs 92.9g 34% DV
Fiber 6g 21% DV
Sugar 1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 815.2mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 11.3mg 13% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 308mg 24% DV
Iron 7.2mg 40% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it may result in a denser texture. You might want to start with a 50-50 blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to find a balance that you enjoy.

How do I know when the fry bread is done frying?

The fry bread is done when it turns a deep golden brown color and floats to the top of the oil. You can test a small piece first; if it bubbles and cooks quickly, your oil is at the right temperature.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before frying. This can enhance the flavor and texture of the fry bread.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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