Pita Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 10g (2 tsp) salt
- 7g (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 240ml (1 cup) warm water (45°C or 113°F)
- 15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
- 5g (1 tbsp) sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Yeast Mixture
In a mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Stir gently. Allow this to sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This process activates the yeast, ensuring the pita dough rises well.
Step 2: Creating the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture along with olive oil. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead the dough on medium speed with a dough hook attachment for 5-6 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead by hand on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat the surface with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shaping the Pita
Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F) and place a baking sheet inside to heat. Punch down the dough to release gases and divide it into approximately 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a disc about 6 inches in diameter.
Step 5: Baking the Pita
Carefully place the rolled-out dough disks onto the preheated baking sheet. Bake in the oven for about 5-7 minutes. The pita should puff up and have a light golden color when done. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not over-bake.
Step 6: Cooling and Storage
Remove the baked pita from the oven and stack them on a plate, covering them with a kitchen towel to keep them soft. If not serving immediately, once cooled, store in resealable plastic bags to maintain freshness.
Conclusion
And there you have it – homemade Pita Bread ready to be enjoyed! This bread is not just capable of holding a range of fillings but also stands alone as a delicious addition to meals. By taking the time to craft your pita from scratch, you’re not only embracing the art of baking but also infusing your meals with authentic Mediterranean warmth. Feel free to experiment with whole wheat flour or add herbs and spices for variations. Happy baking and enjoy the tastes of the Mediterranean!
