Fry Bread and National Museum of the American Indian

Overview of our visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC, plus a recipe for Fry Bread!

National Museum of the American Indian

A few weeks ago we visited one of the newest Smithsonian museums (construction is currently underway for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and set to open in 2016) in Washington D.C.- the National Museum of the American Indian. It opened in 2004 with 250,000 sq ft of exhibition space. In addition to the collections of Native American objects, the museum also offers films, dance performances, interactive workshops, and readings.

Admission to the museum is free and it is open everyday except Christmas. Hours are 10 am to 5:30 pm. To get to the museum, we took the metro to L’Enfant Plaza, then walked up Maryland Avenue to Independence Avenue. The museum is on the far right side of the National Mall, close to the U.S. Capitol Building, and this station was a bit closer than the Smithsonian station. Nearby parking is often limited.

Mitsitam Cafe

The Mitsitam Cafe is definitely the most unique of the available food options among the Smithsonian Museums. There is a rotating menu based on the season and cafeteria stations are separated based on region.

I was not aware at the time that Chad and I both went to the same region- the Great Plains. I ordered the Indian Taco (Buffalo Chili on Fry Bread with Pickled Chiles and Pinto Beans, Lettuce, Tomato, and Shredded Cheese) and Fry Bread with Cinnamon and Honey.

Chad picked the Chipotle Chicken Taco (Grilled Chipotle Chicken, Fry Bread, Lettuce, Tomato, and Shredded Cheese) and Buffalo Chili and Cheese Fries. Everything was delicious, but on the expensive side. Other regions included Northern Woodlands, South America, Northwest Coast, and Mesoamerica.

ImagiNATIONS Activity Center

We spent most of our time in the ImagiNATIONS Activity Center on the third floor. This is a family friendly, hands-on area for children to explore.

Evan especially enjoyed weaving a giant basket, playing with the snowshoe exhibit, and exploring the Amazonian Stilt House. His favorite part was stamping his passport (provided at the beginning of the exhibit) in each section. There is also a craft room and reading area. Check out the calendar for special events.

Looking for more Washington, D.C. travel posts?

Check out

• Dinosaur Bento and National Museum of Natural History
• Berry Rice Krispies Treats and Smithsonian National Museum of American History
• Nutella Stuffed Aebleskiver and Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Fry Bread

Since Chad and I both gravitated to variations of the Fry Bread Taco at the Mitsitam Cafe, I decided to try to make it at home. The Navajo developed fry bread following their forced 300 mile relocation known as the “Long Walk” from Arizona to New Mexico.

The land was barren and they could no longer grow their traditional vegetables and beans. The government introduced items such as flour, sugar, lard, baking powder, powdered milk, and canned goods through, often old, rations. Fry Bread was created from these ingredients.

Here is an article from the Smithsonian on the history of Fry Bread.

I topped the fry bread with seasoned ground beef, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. The Sonoran Beef topping from The Hungry Hounds also sounds delicious.

Be sure to save a fry bread or two for dessert. Mix powdered sugar with cinnamon, sprinkle over the fry bread, and drizzle with honey.

Fry Bread Recipe

Adapted from What’s Cooking America

Print Pin

Fry Bread

Course Bread

Cuisine Native American

Keyword bread, fried, Native American

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Resting Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings 12 Fry Bread

Ingredients

• 3 cups (400 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (15 grams) powdered milk
• 1 tablespoon (12 grams) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4-1 1/2 cups (295-355 milliliters) water
• Vegetable shortening or lard for frying

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, powdered milk, baking powder, and salt.
• Make a well in the center and pour in the water. Mix in the flour to combine. If needed, add a little more water to bring the dough together. Do not overmix.
• Cover bowl with towel or plastic and allow to rest 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• In a large skillet, add 1-2 inches vegetable shortening or lard over medium/medium-high heat.
• Divide the rested dough into 12 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, press one piece into a circle using your hands. Start from the center and gently spread the dough outward to make a large, thin circle (about 1/4 inch, 6 mm thick and 8 inches, 20 cm wide). Press through the center to make a small hole with your finger or use a knife to cut a small slit. Repeat with remaining dough.
• Once the skillet and fat are thoroughly heated, gently add one of the prepared circles. Fry until golden and puffed, about 1 minute. Use tongs to gently flip to other side. Fry until golden, about 30 more seconds. Remove to a towel lined wire rack. Repeat with remaining dough.
• The Fry Bread is best served the day it is made.