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Pita bread homemade

pita bread
pita bread

pita bread

Pita bread: discover how to make this light, easy, and fluffy homemade flatbread that goes with everything. Perfect texture and flavor!
Total Time 1 hour 31 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 160

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy.
  2. Add the olive oil, salt, and all-purpose flour. Stir until a dough begins to form.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten into a 6-inch (15 cm) circle using a rolling pin.
  6. Preheat the oven to 250°C (480°F) and place a baking stone or inverted baking tray inside to heat.
  7. Place the dough circles onto the hot surface and bake for 3–5 minutes, until they puff up and turn lightly golden.
  8. Remove from the oven and cover the pitas with a clean kitchen towel to retain softness.
  9. Serve warm or store in an airtight container for later use.

Notes

Pita bread is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine and is much loved worldwide for its incredible versatility. Whether you use it as a wrap for grilled meats and veggies, dip it into hummus, or enjoy it as a snack with olive oil, this simple bread is a real crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Perfect Pita Pockets

For perfect puffing, make sure your oven or baking surface is very hot before baking. The burst of heat causes the dough to puff up quickly, creating that classic pocket. If your pitas aren’t puffing, check that the dough circles are not too thick—roll them to about 6 inches wide and no more than 1/4 inch thick.
If you want to boost whole grain content, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Just add a bit more water if the dough feels dry.

Dough Preparation Techniques

Knead your dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Well-kneaded dough ensures a light, chewy texture. If you have a stand mixer, let it do the work with the dough hook—otherwise, some good old-fashioned hand kneading works wonders!
Letting the dough rise in a warm spot, covered with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, is essential for a soft crumb. If your kitchen is cool, place the bowl in your (turned off) oven with the light on for gentle warmth.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Serve fresh pita bread with a spread of mezze favorites—like baba ghanoush, tzatziki, or falafel—for an authentic experience. Pita can be easily used for sandwiches, torn and tossed into fattoush salad, or turned into delicious pita chips: simply cut into triangles, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with spices, and bake until crisp.
If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle za’atar, sesame seeds, or your favorite herbs on top of the dough circles before baking for extra aroma and flavor. Pita bread freezes well—just let it cool, then stack and wrap tightly. Next time you’re in need of a quick meal, you’ll have homemade pita ready to go!
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