For equipment, you'll need a mixing bowl, a wooden spoon or spatula, a rolling pin, a sharp knife or pizza cutter, and a frying pan or deep fryer.
Make sure to have all these items ready before you start the cooking process.
Step 1: Preparing the dough;
The first step in making NZ frybread is preparing the dough.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Plain (All-purpose flour), baking powder, and salt.
Mix well to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Next, slowly add the warm water to the dry ingredients, while stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula.
Continue stirring until a soft, sticky dough forms.
If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time.
If it's too wet, add a small amount of flour until you achieve the right consistency.
Once the dough is well-mixed, transfer it to a floured surface and Knead it gently for about 5 minutes.
This will help develop the gluten in the dough and give your frybread a nice texture.
After kneading, shape the dough into a ball and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with and preventing it from shrinking when fried.
Step 2: Resting and shaping the frybread;
While the dough is resting, it's time to prepare the frybread for shaping.
Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking.
Take the rested dough and divide it into small, golf ball-sized portions.
This will make it easier to handle and fry.
Take one portion of dough and flatten it with your hands into a circular shape, about 6.5 mm (1/4 inch) thick.
If the dough starts to stick, lightly dust it with flour.
Repeat this process with the remaining portions of dough.
Once all the frybread rounds are shaped, cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for another 10-15 minutes.
This second resting period allows the dough to relax further and ensures that your frybread will be light and fluffy when cooked.
Step 3: Frying the frybread;
Now comes the exciting part - frying the frybread!
Heat a frying pan or deep fryer with vegetable oil over medium heat.
You want the oil to be hot enough to fry the dough but not too hot that it burns quickly.
Carefully place one frybread round into the hot oil and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Flip it with a spatula or tongs to ensure even cooking.
Once both sides are nicely golden, remove the frybread from the oil and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Repeat this process with the remaining frybread rounds, frying only a few at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.
As you fry, keep an eye on the temperature of the oil and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent frying temperature.
Now that your frybread is cooked to perfection, it's time to serve and enjoy this delightful treat.
NZ frybread can be served in various ways, depending on your preference and the occasion.
For a simple and traditional approach, you can serve frybread on its own or with butter and jam or golden syrup.
The combination of the crispy exterior and soft interior makes it a perfect vessel for spreading your favourite toppings.
Another popular way to enjoy NZ frybread is by turning it into a savoury meal.
You can serve it as a base for burgers, tacos, or sandwiches, adding your choice of fillings and condiments.
The versatility of frybread allows you to get creative and customise it to suit your taste.