Are you tired of the same old white sandwich bread? Why not try making squaw bread at home? Not only is it a healthier alternative, but it’s also delicious and packed with fiber. My Nana loves to bake this bread because it’s easy to make. She would prepare this traditional dark squaw bread recipe and serve it alongside a variety of accompaniments. 

You can enjoy this delectable squaw bread with butter, cheese, jam, honey or top it off in a savory soup or stew. No matter what you choose to accompany it, the dark squaw bread will bring an unforgettable flavor to the table.

What is Squaw Bread?

Squaw bread, also known as Native American bread or Indian bread, that’s made with a delicious combination of whole wheat flour, cornmeal, and honey. This simple recipe has been enjoyed by Native American tribes for centuries and continues to be part of their culinary heritage today. The unique flavor of the mix creates an irresistibly sweet yet subtly savory taste that’s sure to please any palate.

The nutritionally-rich whole wheat flour and cornmeal used in the preparation of squaw bread are both excellent sources of dietary fiber, which plays an integral role in promoting good digestive health. Furthermore, a regular fiber intake can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower cholesterol levels, and help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

How to Bake Delicious Squaw Bread Recipe

Nana loves baking different kinds of bread, especially those with historical significance. She loves sharing the delicious and comforting recipes she learned during her time. One of the homemade bread she taught me to bake is this dark and sweet squaw bread.

Making squaw bread may seem daunting, but with my Nana’s recipe and guidance, it’s easy to bake this traditional bread at home. Here are the steps that Nana taught me to make her famous squaw bread.

Make the Dough

First thing first is the dough! Make the dough by mixing lukewarm water, honey, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Give the combination a gentle stir and then let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes or until the mixture begins to foam up. Allow the mixture some time to rest so that you can observe the yeast activating and creating bubbles of foam on the surface of your concoction.

In a separate bowl, take a whisk and mix together the water, oil, honey, and brown sugar until all of the ingredients are thoroughly blended. Make sure to keep stirring with the whisk until you achieve an even consistency.

Then, in another bowl, whisk together the powdered milk, a pinch of salt, and a combination of three flours – all-purpose flour, wheat flour, and almond flour. Blending these ingredients together should create a light and fluffy batter. Finally, combine the three mixtures to form your dough.

Prepare the Dough for Baking

Depending on the desired outcome, you should knead the dough using a specific method. This could involve pushing it down with your hands, turning it over, and repeating until the desired texture is achieved.

Alternatively, you could use a mixer or food processor to work on the dough for an even faster result. No matter which way you choose to go about it, make sure to keep kneading until all of the ingredients are combined, and a uniform consistency is reached.

After kneading, place the dough in a generously greased large bowl. You can cover it with a damp cloth and leave it to rest until it has expanded to twice its original size. Then, allow the dough plenty of time to rise so that it is light and fluffy. 

Baking Time!

After the third rise of your dough, it’s time to get started on your delicious squaw bread recipe. The traditional Native American dish is a simple yet flavorful treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast or any meal throughout the day. All you need is a few basic ingredients, some patience, and time to make the perfect loaf of this delectable bread. With its golden color and delightful texture, you’ll find yourself coming back for more!

Tips to Successfully Bake Squaw Bread Recipe

You can make your own squaw bread if you know the right recipe and directions. But if you know how to bake squaw bread every time, you’ll always have a good time doing it.

Use Hot Water to Activate Yeast

In order to ensure your yeast is properly activated, use warm water. This water should be heated to between 100 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit (35-45°C). Any hotter than that may result in a burned yeast taste or texture. By using this temperature range, you can guarantee that your yeast will activate correctly and provide optimal results for your dish.

Knead the Dough Well

Kneading is an essential and integral part of the process of making bread. It helps to activate the gluten proteins in the flour, which are responsible for providing structure and texture to the dough. To ensure that you get a good result, it’s important to knead your dough vigorously until it becomes supple and smooth, typically taking around 10-15 minutes.

However, don’t overdo it when you’re kneading the dough. Otherwise, your finished product will be a hard and dry piece of bread. Just give it enough attention to make sure it’s nice and smooth – no more than that! Too much kneading results in an unpleasant texture, so take care not to go overboard.

Bake at the Right Temperature

Before you begin baking your bread, you should preheat the oven to the appropriate temperature. Doing so will guarantee that your bread bakes evenly and completely. If the temperature is not correctly set, there may be issues with rising as well as a risk of burning. So, it is essential to check that your oven is at the correct heat before you start baking.

Use High-quality Ingredients

Always use the freshest, top-notch ingredients when making your bread in order to achieve the best possible results. Make sure you select high-quality flour, yeast, and salt. It will ensure that your bread has a delicious taste and an ideal texture. These three components are essential in creating a delightful loaf of bread and will make all the difference in the finished product.

How to Store Squaw Bread

To store Squaw bread, it is best to wrap it in wax paper or parchment paper, then place the wrapped bread in an airtight container. This will help keep the bread moist and prevent any unwanted odors from entering. Additionally, you can also freeze the wrapped Squaw bread for up to three months for longer-term storage. When ready to use, simply thaw at room temperature for several hours and enjoy!