Frybread is a delicious, golden-brown delicacy that has been enjoyed by many generations of Native American communities, including the Ojibwe tribe. This versatile treat can be served sweet or savory and can be eaten alone or as an accompaniment to other dishes. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making Ojibwe style frybread.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 2 teaspoons baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup milk or water (you can also use a combination of both)

– Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil is recommended)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add milk or water while stirring continuously to form a soft but non-sticky dough. Depending on the consistency required, you may need to adjust the quantity of liquid slightly. Once combined, knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

2. Let the dough rest:

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to shape and roll out.

3. Divide and shape the dough:

After resting, divide the dough into equal portions, depending on how big or small you want your frybread pieces to be. Shape each portion into a smooth ball by rolling it between your hands.

4. Roll out the dough:

Place a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap on your working surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out each dough ball to about 1/4-inch thickness. You can make them round or oval-shaped based on your preference.

5. Fry the bread:

Heat the oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1-inch deep. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil – it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.

Once the oil is heated, take one piece of rolled-out dough and carefully place it in the hot oil. Fry the bread on one side until it becomes golden brown and puffy, approximately 1-2 minutes. Flip it with a slotted spatula and fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until both sides are golden brown.

6. Drain on paper towels:

Remove the frybread from the pan with a slotted spatula and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Continue frying the remaining pieces of dough in batches.

Ojibwe style frybread can be enjoyed as is or with various toppings such as honey, powdered sugar, cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet taste, or beans, cheese, and salsa for a savory variation.

With these easy steps, you can now make your own Ojibwe style frybread at home and relish this indigenous treat that holds so much cultural significance for Native American communities.