Fry Bread Recipe- Indian Tacos

What is the History of Indian Fry Bread?

Native Americans/Alaskan Natives are not "all alike". Some of the Ancestors were hunter gathers, many were nomadic, and many lived in permanent housing growing crops. Food and Shelter were important, and each tribe knew how and where to find food. Some grew their own, some went into the mountains, prairies, or river areas to get the food they needed. But that was then. Once the Government started "re-settling" the Indians, and making laws that affected the way they lived they were often left with no way to feed their families.

Early Reservation life was tough for the displaced Indians. Many were sent worlds away environmentally from the life they knew and many of the newly established resettlement areas (reservations) couldn't sustain them and they were in danger of starving to death. In Oklahoma the newly established "Indian Country" you couldn't grow crops, nor in the desert areas of Southern California or Arizona to name a few. They had to learn to survive in this new world. Government Indian Agents, often corrupt, gave them basic commodities of canned goods, flour, sugar, and lard. The beef that was given was often spoiled and the flour moldy. It was with these commodities that the Indians had to survive and they learned to make what has come to be known as Frybread. A basic staple to keep them from starving in these new settlements.

Other names for Fry Bread were Squaw Bread (Squaw being a very derogatory term that the early Europeans made up from another word), Grease Bread, and Navajo Tortillas.

There are several variations to this basic recipe. There are probably as many Fry Bread Recipes as there are Indians. Some people use yeast, some people use milk, but no matter how you make it, it's a wonderful treat.

Indian Tacos from Fry Bread

To make Indian Tacos you just make larger Fry Bread, about the size of a medium pizza, and top it with:

1) Beans-Pinto Beans (or whatever kind you like)
2) Shredded Lettuce
3) Shredded Cheese
4) Diced Tomatoes

Spoon the beans on first, in the center, then add the lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes and whatever other toppings you choose.

Salsa, Sour Cream and Onions are a few of the optional toppings that I've seen.