Navajo Tacos and Green Chile Stew
I'm all about food memories! The kind of memories that evoke a moment in time through just one bite of a remembered dish. In the instant the food touches your taste buds, your mind flashes back to that special moment in time. Memories flood your mind, some in a good ways, others maybe not so much.
This story leads to one of my most happy food memories.
When I was in Elementary school my older brother began dating an American Indian girl. After a few months of dating, our families got to know each other and soon became very close friends. As a result, my family became involved with the Lone Feather Indian Counsel in Colorado Springs, CO. Our involvement began by going to monthly meetings where our parents helped with media promotions, fundraising for the Indian College Fund and event planning. The Council sold Navajo Tacos, Chile and Posole to raise money for the College Fund, at mini Pow Wows throughout the year, culminating in an extravagant Pow Wow in the summer. American Indians from around the Country would travel to Colorado to compete for cash prizes and to see the crowning of the years newest Indian Princess.
The Lone Feather Indian Counsel was made up of American Indians from Colorado, Taos New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Nebraska however, other regions were represented. My father is one quarter Cree Indian, which makes me one eighth Cree, however, you wouldn't know it to look at me with my light complection and blue eyes.
Photos were taken during a mini Pow Wow in Manitou Springs, Colorado, 1971
At the end of the meetings, the Elder drummers would play and sing traditional music while the families gathered to dance. The women would wrap hand made shawls around their shoulders and the men would don traditional headdress; merging in a cacophony of movement and joy. It was a truly cultural experience to be a part of the organization and see "real" American Indians, living life and learning to understand the American Indian culture in such a personal way. All of us, living normal everyday lives in normal everyday homes but experiencing traditions long past.
I began to discern the different melodies of each song and learn the history of the long sung stories. The rhythmic beat of the drums and the strong clear voices of the elders, remain in my mind to this day.
Mingled together, the smell of Indian Fry Bread and Pasole, the dirt filling my nose as the fancy dancers move around the arena floor, the anticipation of learning if my friend Alice, would become the next Indian Princess; all moments I can remember as if it were yesterday with just one bite of Indian Fry Bread.
Frybread has a significant role in Native American cultures. It is often served both at home and at gatherings. The way it is served varies from region to region and different tribes have different recipes. It can be found in its many ways at state fairs and pow wows, but what is served to the paying public may be different than what is served in private homes and in the context of tribal family relations. Source Wikipedia
My Fry Bread recipe comes from a close family friend, Ann Fineran, a Pine Ridge Sioux, from South Dakota. She was the last of her linage.
Recipe
Indian Fry Bread
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup 2% or whole milk
canola oil for frying about 4 cups
Method
- Heat oil on medium high in a cast iron skillet
- Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl
- blend together with a wooden spoon
- add milk and stir until dough forms a ball
- place dough on a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes or until dough is shiny
- return dough to bowl and rest for 5 minutes
- cut dough in half, then quarters, finally cutting the quarters in half.
- roll dough thinly with a floured rolling pin
- cook in hot oil until golden brown, turning several times
- drain on paper towels
Green Chile Stew
3-4 boneless pork chops cubed
1 small yellow onion diced
1 cup roasted green chilies (preferably fresh roasted)
2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 can chopped tomatoes with liquid
3 cups water
1 14 ounce can Ranch Style Beans
3-4 tablespoons chicken base concentrate (to taste)
salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
1 head lettuce
2 cups shredded cheese
sour cream
honey
Method
- cube pork chops, season with salt and pepper
- chop onion
- heat heavy bottom sauce pan on medium high
- add oil and saute onions until translucent
- add meat and saute till browned
- add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil
- reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours
Assemble Navajo Tacos and serve
Serves 6