Fried bannock is a type of bread that is eaten by First Nations people. I tried it recently and it was surprisingly good so I wanted to make a recipe for it. It is thicker and a bit more fluffy than other flat breads but the fact that it is fried makes it so tasty.
Looking for more Canadian recipes? Try my Beavertails and Timbits next!
๐ฅ About Fried Bannock
Bannock is a type of bread that was eaten by early settlers, fur traders, and Indigenous peoples in North America. I believe the Scottish fur traders initially introduced it, but now it's mostly associated with Indigenous peoples.
The first time I had bannock was at the PNE in Vancouver of all places. They had an Indigenous culture exhibit, and there was a lady selling bannock along with some of her homemade clothing and jewelry. There was no lineup, so I thought I'd give it a try. They were super delicious!
If you've never had bannock before, they are very similar to most flatbreads but thicker and maybe a bit more fluffy. They taste delicious by themselves but most people eat them with a side of jam or butter.
๐ง Ingredients
The recipe is very simple. I am using all-purpose flour, water, salt, baking powder, and salt. You will also need around ยฝ a cup of oil to shallow fry the bread.
Some recipes will also use milk instead of water or add melted butter to make the dough fluffier. Either is optional and you can definitely use them if you want to. The beauty of this recipe is that it is very versatile. You can substitute many ingredients and it will turn out good as long as the ingredients are able to form a dough.
๐ช Instructions
STEP 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
STEP 2: Add the water and stir until a dough forms. Knead it for 2-3 minutes until the flour is well-absorbed and no longer sticky. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 10 minutes. This will help the gluten relax so it's easy to shape them into their "bannock" shape.
STEP 3: Heat ยฝ cup of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. In the mean time, break off small pieces of the dough and flatten them into an oval shape about ยฝ inch thick. The shape doesn't matter too much but try to get them an even thickness so they cook evenly.
STEP 4: Gently place them in the hot oil and fry each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Transfer the fried bannock to a paper towel-lined plate to dry.
I love eating these by themselves or with a side of jam. Enjoy!
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. I like to air-fry them for a couple of minutes at 400โ to re-crisp them.
๐ Please Note
I am not an indigenous person. I'm just a home cook who loves recreating and sharing recipes at home. My intention is to appreciate this dish, but I want to acknowledge its cultural significance for many Indigenous communities. My perspective may not fully capture the depth of its traditions, and for a better understanding, I suggest you to read this post.
๐ Recipe
Fried Bannock Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour (360g, plus more as needed)
- 1 ยฝ teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons water (270g)
- ยฝ cup oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the water and stir until a dough forms. Knead it for 2-3 minutes until the flour is well-absorbed and no longer sticky. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 10 minutes. This will help the gluten relax so it's easy to shape them into their "bannock" shape.
- Heat ยฝ cup of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. In the mean time, break off small pieces of the dough and flatten them into an oval shape about ยฝ inch thick.
- Gently place them in the hot oil and fry each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Transfer the fried bannock to a paper towel-lined plate to dry. I love eating these by themselves or with a side of jam. Enjoy!
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