indian fry bread

by: linda ly & emily nguyen

description• Native American food found throughout the United States• A flat dough shaped like a Frisbee and is fried or deep-

fried in oil, shortening, or lard • Usually lumpy, puffed up with a crispy crust, and has air

bubbles• Can be made into a desert or a main dish• Can be served at

home or at gatherings like powwows and state fairs

history• Originated in Fort Summer, New Mexico• Removal of Indians from native lands

importance• Connotations • Staple Food Item • Synonymous with Indian culture since food is a big part of Indian culture• A tradition to the Native Americans • Considered a spiritual food • Many Indians cannot imagine going without

fry bread

ties from material culture to identity

• Pierre Bourdieu• Theory of Class Distinction• “[Taste] functions as a sort of social

orientation, a ‘sense of one’s place’, guiding the occupants of a given…social space towards the social positions adjusted to their properties, and towards the practices or goods which befit the occupants of that position.”

• Transforming foods and social identities

revitalization • Sacred folktales• Purification of the Earth • Restoration of Indian grounds• Reminder of misfortunes• Commemoration

traditional recipe– 4 cups flour– 2 tablespoon baking powder– 1 teaspoon salt– ½ cup shortening– 1 cup warm water

• Combine dry ingredients in a bowl.• Gradually add in shortening and water but only add in enough

water to make dough stick together.• Knead dough until smooth and make into fist-sized balls.• Cover them with a towel for 10 minutes.• Pat them out into circles about the size of a pancake.• Fry in hot oil until brown and bubbles appear on the dough and on

both sides.• Drain on paper towels and serve hot!

changes in recipe over time

• Origin of fry bread was flatbread quick-fried in lard

• Mono-unsaturated oil (canola or peanut oil) was used for grease instead of lard

• Barley flour became another choice of flour• Ingredients vary today • Main ingredients are white flour, salt,

baking powder and lard/shortening

options to eat • Indian tacos consists of ground beef, chili,

shredded American cheese, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onions, and pinto beans on top of a fry bread

• Fry bread with red chili and beans • Can be eaten like bread with soup, stew, or posole• Extra sweet version of fry bread with powdered

sugar, cinnamon, fruit jam, butter, or honey on top

fun facts • Is the official state

bread of South Dakota • Tastes like funnel cake• Also known as

bannock • Is a leading factor in

Native American obesity and diabetes

our experience

bibliography • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frybread• http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_recipes_ethnic/

article/0,1801,HGTV_3178_2032993,00.html• http://www.kstrom.net/isk/food/r_frybre.html• http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9022063/• http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/

NavajoFryBread.htm• http://www.manataka.org/page180.html • http://www.williams.edu/go/native/frybread.htm