Frybread with Beans and Cheese
Frybread with Beans and Cheese is a hearty, savory dish featuring a deep-fried, pillowy flatbread (frybread) topped with warm beans and melted cheese. It is a staple of Native American cuisine, often found at powwows and community gatherings, and is sometimes referred to as 'Indian Tacos' when additional toppings like ground beef, lettuce, and tomatoes are added.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in carbohydrates from the bread and beans, and significant in fat from frying and cheese, providing a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. A typical serving can range from 500 to 800 calories, depending on portion size and preparation.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 65 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 10 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Iron | 4.2 mg |
| Calcium | 250 mg |
| Potassium | 480 mg |
| Magnesium | 65 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Folate | 120 µg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.5 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 3.8 mg |
Per 1 piece (approx. 180 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Frybread has a complex history, originating from the 19th-century experience of Native Americans being given government rations like flour and lard. It has since evolved into a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and community, while nutritionally, the beans add valuable fiber and protein to an otherwise energy-dense base.
