Description
Hearty Navajo tacos showcase traditional Native American cuisine with crispy fry bread topped with savory ground beef, beans, and fresh ingredients. Bold flavors and cultural significance make this dish a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (700 ml) all-purpose flour
- 4.5 tsps baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsps softened butter
- 1.25 cups (300 ml) whole milk
- 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tbsps steak fajita seasoning
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
- 15 oz (425 g) black beans, drained
- 2 cups (470 ml) iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 3 plum tomatoes, diced
- sour cream
- queso sauce or shredded cheese
- honey
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl, then integrate softened butter using fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Dough Development: Create a central crater, pour whole milk, and knead gently until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Let the dough rest, covered, for 15 minutes to enhance its texture.
- Shaping Process: Divide the rested dough into 12 uniform segments, roll into spheres, and flatten into 6-inch circular shapes. Puncture each circle with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
- Frying Technique: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower dough circles, frying 30 seconds on the first side, then flip and shape into taco shells until golden and crispy.
- Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a separate skillet with taco seasoning, ensuring even cooking and robust flavor.
- Topping Assembly: Chop fresh lettuce, dice ripe tomatoes, and warm black beans for savory toppings.
- Savory Serving: Layer crispy fry bread with seasoned ground beef, black beans, lettuce, and tomatoes. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle shredded cheese.
- Sweet Variation: Alternatively, drizzle pure honey over the fry bread and dust generously with powdered sugar for a delightful dessert version.
Notes
- Prevent Dough Sticking: Dust work surface and rolling pin with flour to avoid adhesive challenges during preparation.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain precise 350°F for perfect golden-brown texture without burning.
- Resting Dough Technique: Allow dough to rest exactly 15 minutes to develop gluten and improve bread’s elasticity and texture.
- Fork Puncturing Trick: Always poke small holes before frying to prevent excessive bread inflation and ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southwestern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 535
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 660 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg