Bannock (Indigenous American)

Bannock is a variety of flat quick bread or any large, round article baked or cooked from grain. A bannock is usually cut into sections before serving. The word can also be applied to any large, round bread baked or cooked from grain. When a round bannock is cut into wedges, the wedges are often called scones. However, in Scotland the words bannock and scone are often used interchangeably.

History

The original bannocks were heavy, flat cakes of unleavened barley or oatmeal dough formed into a round or oval shape, then cooked on a griddle (or girdle in Scots). In Scotland, before the 19th century, bannocks were cooked on a bannock stane (Scots for stone), a large, flat, rounded piece of sandstone, placed directly onto a fire, used as a cooking surface. Most modern bannocks are made with baking powder or baking soda as a leavening agent, giving them a light and airy texture.

There is a long tradition of bannock-making in Scotland. The famous Scottish poet Robert Burns mentions the bannock in his Epistle to James Tennant of Glenconner, in reference to Alexander Allan, the Stirling baker.

Indigenous American Bannock

In the Americas, bannock, due to its simplicity, became a staple food of the indigenous peoples such as the Navajo, Cherokee and the First Nations of the northern plains. Bannock is most commonly made of cornmeal and flour and is a mainstay of many indigenous diets. It is often cooked over an open fire in these cultures.

Bannock has been adopted by several cultures in the United States and Canada and has undergone various changes in each culture. It is a common food among people who live in the wilderness or who travel outdoors because it is easy to carry and lasts a long time.

Preparation

Bannock is simple to make and ingredients are easily modified based on what is available. The dough is usually prepared with flour, baking powder, and water, which is then fried in rendered fat, oil, or butter. The result is a heavy bread that can be prepared with few tools and resources.

Cultural Significance

Bannock has a significant place in the cultural history of Indigenous Americans. It is often made during communal events and family gatherings. It is also a common food at powwows, which are social gatherings held by many different Indigenous communities.

See Also

• Frybread
• Navajo
• Cherokee
• First Nations