Squaw bread is a type of hearty, dense bread that has its origins in Native American culture, particularly among the Navajo and Hopi tribes in the Southwest United States.

The bread is traditionally made with a mixture of wheat flour, cornmeal, molasses, and milk. The name “squaw bread” comes from the Algonquin word for woman, but the term has been considered controversial and offensive by some Native American groups.

Despite this controversy, squaw bread remains an important part of Native American culture, with a rich history and significance in cultural and religious ceremonies.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the history and significance of squaw bread, as well as provide a recipe and tips for making it at home.

We’ll also discuss cultural considerations and sensitivity when discussing and making squaw bread, as well as ideas for serving and incorporating it into meals and recipes.

1. In what order should I add the ingredients to the stand mixer bowl?

Add warm water and honey to the bowl of the stand mixer, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes or until it foams up. Then add the water, oil, and sugar mixture to the bowl and whisk for 10-20 seconds to combine with the yeast.

2. What should I do if the yeast doesn’t foam up?

If the yeast doesn’t foam up, it’s likely expired, and you’ll need to start over with new yeast.

3. Can I use a blender to mix the water, oil, honey, brown sugar, and raisins?

Yes, pour the remaining 2 cups of water, oil, 1/3 cup honey, brown sugar, and raisins into a blender and pulse until smooth and lump-free.

4. What kind of flour should I use for the dough?

The recipe calls for a mixture of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour. Whisk them together with powdered milk and salt in a large bowl.

5. How long should I let the dough rise?

Let the dough rest for 1 1/2 hours or until it doubles in size. After punching it down, let it rise again until it doubles in size, which takes about 1 hour.

6. Can I make smaller or larger loaves?

Yes, you can divide the dough into fewer or more pieces depending on the size of the loaf you want to make.

7. How should I store the bread?

Store the bread in a sealed container or bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months.

8. How can I reheat the bread?

To reheat the bread, wrap it in foil and bake it in a 350-degree Fahrenheit (180°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Ingredients and equipment

To make squaw bread, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including wheat flour, cornmeal, molasses, and milk.

Wheat flour provides the structure and gluten necessary to create a strong, elastic dough that can rise and hold its shape during baking.

Cornmeal adds a nutty flavor and distinct texture to the bread, while molasses adds sweetness and depth of flavor, as well as moisture and softness.

Milk helps to bind the ingredients together, and adds richness and creaminess to the bread.

It’s important to use the right ratio of ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and texture in your squaw bread.

In terms of equipment, a stand mixer or bread machine can be helpful for kneading the dough and achieving a consistent texture.

However, squaw bread can also be made by hand, with a little extra time and effort.

A mixing bowl, wooden spoon, and sturdy work surface are all you really need to make a basic squaw bread recipe.

Preparation

To make squaw bread from scratch, you’ll begin by combining the dry ingredients, including wheat flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.

Then, you’ll add in the wet ingredients, such as molasses, milk, and water, and mix until a soft, sticky dough forms.

Knead the dough for several minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, then shape it into a round or oblong loaf and place it in a greased baking pan.

Let the dough rise until doubled in size, then bake in a preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

To achieve the perfect dough consistency, it’s important to measure your ingredients carefully and follow the recipe closely.

You may need to adjust the amount of liquid or flour depending on the humidity in your kitchen, as well as the brand of flour you’re using.

Be patient and allow your dough to rise properly, as this will ensure a light and airy texture in your finished bread.

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, there are several variations and substitutions you can make to the basic squaw bread recipe.

For example, you could use gluten-free flour or cornmeal, or substitute the molasses for honey or maple syrup.

You could also add in nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to create a unique flavor profile. Experiment with different ingredients to find a squaw bread recipe that works for you.

• Add approximately half of the flour mixture to the bowl and use a dough hook to slowly mix until it just starts to come together. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
• With the dough hook moving on low, add the rest of the flour. Let it go for about a minute, then turn it to medium speed and beat until the dough pulls away from the side of the bowl.
• Take the dough out of the bowl and gently knead it on a lightly floured surface to ensure it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, add a tablespoon of flour and knead until smooth.
• Place the dough in a large, greased bowl and let it rest for 1 1/2 hours (or until it doubles in size).
• Punch down the dough with your hand to deflate it and divide it into 4 pieces. Roll them into rounds, cover them with a clean kitchen cloth, and let them rest for 10 minutes.
• After 10 minutes, form the dough pieces into loaves. Then cover them again with a kitchen towel and let them rise until they double in size (about 1 hour).
• While the dough rests, line 2 baking sheets with cornmeal and preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C).
• After 1 hour, move the loaves onto the baking sheets and bake for 35 minutes, or until the crusts have browned. Brush the hot loaves with melted butter, serve and enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Squaw bread is a versatile and delicious bread that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. One simple way to enjoy it is to slice it thickly and toast it lightly, then spread with butter or your favorite jam.

Squaw bread is also a great choice for sandwiches, as it holds up well to hearty fillings and adds a unique flavor and texture.

Another great way to enjoy squaw bread is to pair it with other foods, such as soup, chili, or stew. The slightly sweet and nutty flavor of the bread pairs perfectly with savory and spicy dishes, and the dense texture helps to soak up any flavorful broths or sauces.

To store leftover squaw bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage, wrapped in plastic and then in foil, for up to three months.

To reheat the bread, simply wrap it in foil and warm it in a preheated oven for 5-10 minutes, until heated through. Avoid using a microwave, as this can make the bread soggy or tough.

Cultural significance

It’s important to acknowledge the controversy surrounding the name “squaw bread” and the potential for cultural appropriation. The term “squaw” has been historically used as a derogatory term for Native American women, and many Native Americans find the name offensive.

Therefore, some people prefer to refer to the bread as “Indian bread” or “Native American bread” instead.

When making and discussing squaw bread, it’s important to be respectful of Native American culture. This includes acknowledging the origins of the bread and its significance in Native American cuisine and traditions.

It also means being mindful of the language used to describe the bread and avoiding cultural stereotypes or offensive language.

One way to honor the cultural significance of squaw bread is to seek out recipes and information from Native American sources or communities.

This can help ensure that the bread is being made and discussed in a respectful and authentic way.

Additionally, taking the time to learn more about Native American culture and history can help deepen your understanding and appreciation of the bread and its origins.

FAQ

What is squaw bread?

Squaw bread is a type of bread that is made with flour, cornmeal, molasses, and milk. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a dense, chewy texture.

Can I make squaw bread without a bread machine or stand mixer?

Yes, you can make squaw bread by hand using a large mixing bowl and a wooden spoon or spatula. It may take a bit more effort to mix and knead the dough, but the results will be just as delicious.

Can I make substitutions for the ingredients in squaw bread?

Yes, you can make some substitutions based on your dietary preferences or restrictions. For example, you can use non-dairy milk instead of regular milk, or gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.

However, keep in mind that these substitutions may affect the flavor and texture of the bread.

How should I store leftover squaw bread?

You can store leftover squaw bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months.

Why is the name “squaw bread” controversial?

The term “squaw” is considered offensive by many Native American communities. Some people prefer to use alternative names such as “Indian bread” or “cornmeal bread” to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

How can I be respectful of Native American culture when making squaw bread?

You can start by researching the history and cultural significance of the bread and acknowledging its Native American roots.

You can also avoid using offensive language or stereotypes when talking about the bread and its origins.

Finally, you can support Native American-owned businesses or organizations that work to promote and preserve their cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Making squaw bread is a delicious and meaningful way to honor Native American culture and traditions. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, anyone can make this flavorful bread from scratch.

Key takeaways from this blog post include the importance of using quality ingredients, following the recipe carefully, and being mindful of cultural sensitivity when discussing and making the bread.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that while the name “squaw bread” may be controversial, the bread itself has a rich history and cultural significance that can be celebrated and appreciated in a respectful way.

It’s essential to remember that food is a powerful tool for cultural connection and appreciation, but it must be approached with sensitivity and respect.

By learning about the origins and cultural significance of foods like squaw bread, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation of different cultures.

Finally, we invite readers to share their own experiences making and enjoying squaw bread.

Whether you have a unique recipe variation or a special memory associated with this bread, we would love to hear from you in the comments section below.

Let’s continue to celebrate and honor the diversity of culinary traditions in our world today.