Pita Bread and Falafel

Ingredients

• 500g (about 4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 14g (1 tbsp) sugar
• 10g (1 tbsp) active dry yeast
• 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
• 360ml (1 1/2 cups) warm water (about 43°C / 110°F)

Ingredients

• 400g (about 2 cups) dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic
• 30g (1 bunch) fresh parsley leaves
• 30g (1 bunch) fresh cilantro leaves
• 10g (2 tsp) ground cumin
• 10g (2 tsp) ground coriander
• 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 5g (1 tsp) ground black pepper
• 2g (1/2 tsp) cayenne pepper
• 10g (2 tsp) baking powder
• Oil for frying (vegetable or grapeseed oil recommended)

Pita Bread Instructions

Step 1: Activating Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir briefly and let it stand for 5-7 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy, an indicator that the yeast is active.

Step 2: Mixing Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Create a well in the flour and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Kneading Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until you get a smooth and elastic dough. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 4: Rolling and Baking
Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F). Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten into a circle using the rolling pin, about 0.6cm (1/4 inch) thick. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until puffed and lightly golden.

Falafel Instructions

Step 1: Preparing Falafel Mixture
Drain the soaked chickpeas and transfer them to a blender or food processor. Add onions, garlic, parsley, cilantro, spices, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Blitz until you get a coarse mixture that holds together. Do not make it too smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 2: Shaping the Falafels
Use your hands or a small ice cream scoop to form small balls or patties. Let them rest briefly, about 15-20 minutes in the fridge, to firm up.

Step 3: Frying
Heat oil in a deep pan to 180°C (350°F). Gently drop a few falafels at a time into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry until golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove using tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining falafels.

Conclusion

Congratulations on crafting aromatic and flavorful pita breads and falafels! This delightful duo, with its simplicity and hearty satisfaction, is a testament to the richness of Middle Eastern cuisine. Perfectly balancing the warmth of freshly baked pita with the vibrant spice-infused crunch of falafels, these dishes have made a welcoming home in kitchens worldwide. Remember, practice and timing are key. Try this recipe, and it might just become a treasured addition to your culinary repertoire.

Wyatt Travis Creator of AI MultiPrompter

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