To celebrate Canada Day, I’m sharing a true north recipe; Bannock Bread.
Many of our Indigenous people adopted this simple fried bread that was brought over by the Scottish, and it’s quite popular with many Canadians today.
It doesn’t require yeast, so there is no rising time, it is quick and easy and made with humble pantry ingredients that everyone has in their home.
Ingredients:
6 cups, all purpose flour
6 TBSP baking powder
1 tsp. salt
3.5 cups warm water (not hot, about 100 F)
1/4 cup vegetable oil (I use olive oil, but vegetable is traditional)
vegetable oil for frying
Directions: (I’ve also included the baked version below)
In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder and salt.
Add the oil and whisk together with a fork, then gradually add the water, stirring until the dough until it holds together.
The dough will be sticky, and if it’s too sticky, and be careful not to overmix.
Lightly flour a clean surface and move the dough to this surface, and knead gently, only until the dough comes together.
Do not overknead this dough and there is not need to add extra flour, it’s supposed to be sticky.
Break off pieces of the dough and flatten with the palm of your hand.
Heat oil on medium and then fry each dough piece until it’s a golden brown, then turn and cook other side.
Drain on paper towel.
BAKED VERSION:
Preheat oven to 400F
Shape the dough into a rough circle.
Place dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 35-45 minutes or until it is a beautiful golden brown.
Check for doneness with a toothpick, it should come out clean.
Serve warm or room temperature.
Tastes great on its own or as a sandwich bread.
Celebrate Canada day with us by picking up a wonderful Canadian beach read.
Selena Robins, Author 
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