Sourdough Fry Bread

Sourdough fry bread is a delicious, crispy treat that’s easy to make using your sourdough discard. Here’s a simple recipe to turn your sourdough discard into tasty fry bread:

Sourdough Fry Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard (unfed)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet bread)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for the dough)
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 cup)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard and warm water, stirring until well mixed.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar (if using).
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sourdough mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
   • Add the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and knead the dough in the bowl or on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Rest the Dough:
   • Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rest for about 1 hour. This allows the dough to relax and makes it easier to shape.
3. Shape the Fry Bread:
   • After resting, divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces.
   • Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it into a disc about 1/4-inch thick. You can use your hands or a rolling pin for this.
4. Heat the Oil:
   • In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of dough dropped into it sizzles and bubbles immediately (about 350°F or 175°C).
5. Fry the Bread:
   • Carefully place a few pieces of dough into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each piece for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed up.
   • Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fry bread from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
   • Repeat with the remaining dough pieces.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the fry bread warm. You can enjoy them plain, with a sprinkle of salt, or with sweet toppings like honey or powdered sugar. They also make a great base for savory toppings like taco ingredients or pulled pork.

Tips:

• Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed during kneading.
• Frying: Keep an eye on the oil temperature to avoid burning the bread. Adjust the heat as necessary to maintain an even temperature.
• Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Fry bread is versatile and can be enjoyed with both sweet and savory toppings.

Enjoy your sourdough fry bread, a perfect treat for any time of the day!