Navajo Tacos bring together Native American and Southwestern tastes in a tasty mix. People also call this classic dish Indian Tacos. It starts with a soft puffy fry bread base and adds flavorful toppings.
This article will take you through the backstory, what goes into making them, and how to cook them step by step. Whether you want a quick bite or something special, Navajo Tacos will become a go-to meal at your house.
The History of Navajo Tacos
Navajo Tacos have their roots in the Navajo Nation one of the biggest Native American tribes in the US. The fry bread used to make Navajo Tacos holds great cultural meaning. The Navajo people created it out of need when they were forced to move and had few resources. Fry bread became a key food, and as time passed, it turned into the tasty base for it.
Ingredients to make Navajo Tacos
To cook Navajo Tacos, you’ll need these ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Warm water | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil | For frying |
| Ground beef or turkey | 1 pound |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Taco seasoning | 1 packet |
| Pinto beans (optional) | 1 can |
| Lettuce (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Tomato (diced) | 1 cup |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Salsa | 1 cup |
Quick and Easy Homemade Navajo Tacos
Getting the Fry Bread Ready with Mixing the Dough
Take a big bowl and put the flour and then mix, baking powder, salt and add warm water bit by bit to mixing it well and make ready a soft dough.
Kneading the Dough
Move the dough to a floured area and knead it for about 5 minutes. Then put a towel over the dough and let it sit for 30 minutes.
Frying the Bread
Make hot a frying pan with some vegetable oil and then split that dough into small piece and flatten each in round flat shape. (See Picture below)
Cook each piece till it turns golden brown, which takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. Put them on paper towels to get rid of extra oil.
Getting the Toppings Ready with Cooking the Meat
Now it’s time to cook the ground beef or turkey in the pan over medium heat until it turns brown then add the chipped onion and minced garlic and cook until they soften.
Now mix th taco seasonin and pinto beans (Optional) and simmer it for around 5 minutes.
Putting the Tacos Together
Put a piece of fry bread on a plate and then cover it with the meat mix then add shredded lettuce diced tomato, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and salsa on top as like the picture below.
The importance of this fast food is demonstrated through its resemblance to the food and roots of the Navajo people. By making them at home, be it for the first time or out of love for the dish, you get to taste a bit of native American culture. Try out this recipe and add history to your dining experience.
Nutritional Values in Navajo Tacos:
If you are in diet or have any other types of difficulties to eating this dish, like some allergies, sickness, you should better consult to the doctor before eating. Generally this dish contains the following nutritional values. But remember the values can be flactuate according to the ingredients, cooking times, and precedure.
| S.N | Nutritions | Values (Per Serving) |
| 1. | Calories | 480 kCal |
| 2. | Fat | 10 grams |
| 3. | Cholesterol | 35 mg |
| 4. | Fiber | 8 grams |
| 5. | Sugar | 13 grams |
| 6. | Sodium | 1650 mg |
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this Tacos?
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute in Navajo Tacos.
What can I serve with Navajo Tacos?
Rice, beans, or a fresh salad can go well with Navajo as side dishes.
Can I make fry bread before and store?
You can prepare fry bread in advance and warm it up in the oven before you serve it.
What other varities, can i go with Navajo Tacos?
You bet! You can mix it up by adding toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or black olives to your liking.
If you follow this Navajo Tacos recipe, you’ll end up with a tasty dish that’s got a lot of history and tradition behind it. Dig in and enjoy!
