Novak’s Fried Bread

📜 Collection: Unknown Eighteen | ✍️ Attribution: Novak | 📂 Category: Bread A traditional quick fried bread recipe passed down from the Novak family. These simple, hand-stretched flat cakes are fried in lard until beautifully golden and crisp.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
15 mins20 minsNone30 servings

🔪 Key Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Frying pan
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients

Dough

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
4 cupsFlour
1 tablespoonBaking Powderwritten as ‘powder’ in original manuscript
1 teaspoonSalt
2 tablespoonsSugarunspecified ingredient in original manuscript, likely sugar
1 1/2 cupsWaterwarm

For Frying

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
1 cupLardor other shortening

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, mix together 4 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar.
  2. Pour in 1 1/2 cups warm water and mix with your hand until the mixture is soft like a ball of dough.

Step 2: Shape and Fry

  1. Take portions of the dough and stretch them until they form flat cakes.
  2. Melt 1 cup lard (or other shortening) in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Place the dough cakes in the hot fat and fry until they are golden brown on both sides and cooked through.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Best enjoyed fresh and warm. Dough can be mixed ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before frying.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card