People of the Legends
Indigenous People of North America - Navajo
Life at Home - Food
Lamb and corn were an important part of traditional Navajo food and were cooked in many different ways.
Women fetched flour from traders and made small cakes from it – like Mexican tortillas. Then they cooked them in the embers of the fire.
They also made mush from cornmeal or wild seed, mixed with water or goat’s milk.
Men hunted several animals including antelope and deer, elk and rabbits.
People grew or gathered various vegetables and fruit including:
- Types of acorns
- Pinon nuts
- Beans
- Potatoes
- Pumpkin and squash
- Wheat and corn
- Cedar and juniper berries
- Grapes
- Yucca fruit.
Food today
Many types of vegetables and fruits are grown on the Navajo Nation. People living on farms may grow some of their own food and shop at a grocery store or supermarket as well.
People living in towns go to the supermarket or other stores.
Children might make eggs or oatmeal (porridge) for breakfast.
Traditional foods still eaten today include fry bread, mutton (lamb) stew, pork, pinto beans, red chilli and wild tea.
Many Navajo like to make their own burgers and tacos and drink soda (pop drinks).
And eat at popular restaurants as well.
