Navajo Tacos
Navajo Tacos feature crispy fried bread topped with savory fillings, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Perfect for a hearty meal, they appeal to those who enjoy comforting, flavorful dishes with a touch of Native American culinary tradition. Great for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the flour, dry milk powder, and baking powder.
- Add warm water gradually and mix in one direction like folding in. Raise in a warm place for half an hour.
- Pinch off pieces of dough about the size of an egg.
- Pat and stretch each piece into a circle about 8 inches across.
- Fry in about an inch of hot shortening in a frypan.
- Turn and brown the second side.
- Drain on a paper towel.
Tips & Substitutions
For lighter and fluffier tacos, ensure your baking powder is fresh. You can substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. If you don't have dry milk powder, you can use an equal amount of regular milk, adjusting the water accordingly. Experiment with seasonings in the dough for added flavor, or try serving them with toppings like Maw Maw'S Guacamole Dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Navajo Tacos topped with your favorite ingredients like seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and salsa for a full meal. They pair beautifully with sides like Bean Dip Supreme or a fresh salad. For a complete feast, consider offering Creamy Timbale Tacos as an alternative option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side until warm, or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Navajo Tacos contains roughly 881 calories, with 25g protein, 186g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (65% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 484mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After mixing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and frying.
What kind of oil is best for frying?
Using vegetable oil or canola oil is ideal for frying as they have high smoke points and neutral flavors. Avoid using olive oil, as it may impart an unwanted taste and has a lower smoke point.
Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still turn out delicious!
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).