Indian Fry Bread Tacos

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Indian Fry Bread Tacos: A Delicious Twist on Taco Night

If you’re looking to spice up your taco night and bring a unique twist to traditional tacos, look no further than Indian Fry Bread Tacos. With crispy, soft, and fluffy fry bread as the base, these tacos are a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dish that combines the rich history of Native American fry bread with the bold flavors of classic tacos. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a weekend treat, these Indian Fry Bread Tacos are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

What Makes Indian Fry Bread Tacos Special?

What sets Indian Fry Bread Tacos apart from regular tacos is the homemade fry bread. Fry bread itself is a beloved dish in Native American cuisine, and when used as the shell for tacos, it offers a rich, satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with savory taco fillings. This soft, pillowy bread provides the perfect vessel to hold seasoned beef, creamy pinto beans, and all your favorite taco toppings. The contrast between the warm, golden fry bread and the flavorful fillings creates a satisfying meal that is both unique and delicious.

Ingredients for Indian Fry Bread Tacos

Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare Indian Fry Bread Tacos:

For the Fry Bread:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, giving it structure.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the dough puff up and become light and airy.
  • 1 cup warm water: Brings the dough together.
  • Vegetable oil for frying: Used to fry the dough, creating that crispy outer texture.

For the Toppings:

  • 2 cans (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed: The beans add creaminess and a rich, earthy flavor to the tacos.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the beans and green chiles.
  • 1 can (4 oz) green chiles: Adds a mild heat and tangy flavor to the beans.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Gives a warm, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: For seasoning the beans.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black or white pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: A common seasoning in tacos, providing a savory depth of flavor.
  • 1 pound lean ground beef: The protein for the tacos, seasoned with taco spices.
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning: Adds bold, traditional taco flavors to the beef.
  • 1/4 cup warm water: Helps create a sauce with the taco seasoning and beef.
  • Taco-style toppings of your choice: Lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, avocado, or any of your favorite taco toppings to complete the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Indian Fry Bread Tacos

Follow these easy steps to create delicious Indian Fry Bread Tacos from scratch:

Step 1: Make the Fry Bread

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon baking powder. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
  2. Slowly add 1 cup of warm water and mix until a dough forms. The dough should come together easily and be slightly sticky.
  3. Once the dough is formed, cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows the dough to relax and makes it easier to shape.

Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

  1. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over low heat. Add the pinto beans, green chiles, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black or white pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder. Stir well to combine and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, savory filling.
  2. While the beans are cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 pound of lean ground beef. Cook the beef until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of warm water to the beef. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the seasoning and water form a thick, flavorful sauce.

Step 3: Fry the Bread

  1. In a large pot or deep frying pan, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is at the right temperature.
  2. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a 1/2-inch thick circle. You can use your hands or a rolling pin for this step.
  3. Carefully place one dough circle at a time into the hot oil. Fry the dough for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn the fry bread as needed.
  4. Once fried, remove the fry bread from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

  1. Take each piece of fry bread and top it with a generous portion of the seasoned ground beef and pinto bean mixture.
  2. Add any additional taco-style toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy your Indian Fry Bread Tacos while they are hot and fresh!

Serving Suggestions

These Indian Fry Bread Tacos are hearty enough to be a complete meal, but you can also serve them with some tasty sides to complement the dish:

  • Mexican Rice: A flavorful and aromatic side dish that pairs well with the savory tacos.
  • Refried Beans: Creamy and rich beans are the perfect accompaniment to the crunchy fry bread.
  • Guacamole and Salsa: Fresh and zesty, these toppings add extra flavor and freshness to the tacos.
  • Corn on the Cob: Sweet and slightly charred corn is an excellent side that balances out the richness of the tacos.

Tips for Perfect Indian Fry Bread Tacos

  • Roll the Dough Evenly: Try to roll the dough into uniform thickness to ensure it fries evenly. If the dough is too thick, it may not cook properly in the middle.
  • Adjust the Seasonings: Customize the taco seasoning and bean mixture to suit your preferences. Add more chili powder for heat or a squeeze of lime juice for extra zing.
  • Make it Vegetarian: You can easily make these tacos vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using only the seasoned beans as the filling. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
  • Fry the Bread in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the frying pot. Fry the dough in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure the fry bread becomes crispy.

Conclusion

These Indian Fry Bread Tacos offer a delicious and unique twist on traditional tacos. The combination of crispy, fluffy fry bread with seasoned ground beef, savory pinto beans, and fresh toppings makes for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re looking for something different for Taco Tuesday or want to impress your guests at your next gathering, these tacos are sure to be a hit. Give them a try and enjoy a flavorful, comforting dish with a touch of tradition!

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