Garlic, cumin, onion, and chili pepper warmed my nose and taunted my hungry stomach. Taco Tuesday is real in my house and it is to be taken seriously. After carefully wrapping my taco contents into a flimsy flour tortilla, I got comfy in my dining chair, preparing to eat.
Like any other millennial, I stationed my computer front and center, awaiting me to surf the web for pure mindless entertainment. With a taco in one hand and the other ready to scroll, my eye caught something that changed everything.
Perhaps it was simply a “suggested recipe” Pinterest threw at me because I was looking into different Taco ideas earlier (ultimately settling on the same “all-American recipe”) but to me, it was more than a “suggested recipe.” It was a sign that my taco Tuesday nights have been nothing short of under par.
“Navajo Tacos (Indian Frybread)” read across my screen along with a picture of a taco that made my fresh taco look worthless and unacceptable. I knew little about this recipe, but I knew it was something I had to have. A golden fried, fluffy bread, topped with meat, beans, sour cream, cheese, and other veggies.
Yes, after the sight of these delicious images, I drooled on my own “taco” (if that’s even what I’d call it now). It’s also worth noting that not only is this “Frybread” used to make tacos, but it can be a sweet treat too. Imagine the funnel cakes at the carnival, but way better. There was something cultural about this Frybread that made it more interesting to me. I wanted the experience. Needless to say, I had to figure out everything I could about this Frybread.
The first website was The Smithsonian Magazine. The article informed me that this mouthwatering recipe actually had a painful history which now links all generations of Native Americans. Roughly 150 years ago, the United States forced the Natives living in Arizona to take the “Long Walk” and relocate to New Mexico. The 300 mile long journey led to land that could not easily support the traditional staples of vegetables and beans. To prevent the absolute starvation of the indigenous people, “the government gave canned goods as well as white flour, processed sugar, and lard - the makings of Frybread. “
Some esteem Frybread as a symbol of Native determination and unity. It’s their survival story fried in a tangible ball of dough and passed on for generations.
I took a deep breath and slowly reclined away from my computer screen. One last time, I allowed my now cold “taco” to temper the sting of hunger, and I finished my mediocre dinner. My determination grew inside of me, no doubt inspired by the determination the Native people displayed in that article. I needed to figure out how to make this Frybread before next taco Tuesday.
Wouldn’t you know, the Creator answered my prayer with an opportunity that is available to YOU also!
November 28th, Firekeepers International (a nonprofit Native American owned organization) will share the secret ways of making Indian Frybread. With this information available, I swear I heard every critter in my forest take a collective sigh of relief that I wouldn’t be making any failed attempts to recreate this Frybread solo. Their homes were safe from a fire!
Please join me! The items you will need are as listed:
Large mixing bowl
Large skillet (cast iron or other)
All purpose flour
A tablespoon
A teaspoon
One cup measuring cup
Clabber girl baking powder
Salt
Powdered milk (optional) Carnation brand
Vegetable oil
A long metal fork prong
A kitchen towel to cover the rising dough
Paper towels
Don’t let another generation go without preserving not only this delicious delicacy but the history and the culture. Below are children’s books on Frybread, as well as other recipe books that include Frybread. Detailed, you will find how Frybread goes way beyond Taco Tuesday! It can be in a Monday morning breakfast, or even a weekend dessert. No matter how you use this symbolic bread, let’s learn how to make it from the ones who have kept it. Don’t deny yourself the experience. Register at the link below.
Note: These Amazon links are affiliate links. Purchasing through the links supports some of the wonderful people (specifically FireKeepers International) who are sharing
this recipe with us.
About the Author:
Hello, my name is Shannon, and I’m a volunteer at Firekeepers International. I come from where the forests and the waters meet in the beautiful State Michigan (northern Michigan to be precise). I’m passionate about Biblical truths. My heritage is an interwoven tapestry of the Irish, Swedish, and Native American cultures.
Exploring the wonders of herbal medicine, delving into the beauty of the Hebrew language, and gazing at the mysteries of Biblical astronomy are some of my favorite hobbies.
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