Introduction

Pita bread is a Middle Eastern flat bread which can be slightly puffed up to form a pocket. These breads are most commonly used for sandwiches and dipping. These are round and flat in shape, golden brown in color and have light and airy interior.

Texture and appearance

The texture of Pita breads is soft and chewy. Thy are round in shape and has a diameter of around 6 to 8 inches. If these are baked at high temperature these come out with a pocket inside which can cutup open to fill vegetables or any other fillings. These are perfect for breakfast or to satisfy small hungers.

Ingredients

Active dry yeast  – 2+1/4 tsp or 1 packet

Warm water – 1+1/2 cup

All purpose flour – 3+1/2  cup

Olive oil – 1 tbsp

Salt – 2 tsp

Granulated Sugar – 1 tsp

Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

• Activate Yeast:

The first step is to activate the yeast, for this take a bowl, add warm water, sugar and dry yeast. Stir it to dissolve the yeast and keep it aside for at least 10 minutes.

• Make the dough:

In the yeast mixture add all purpose flour, olive oil and salt. To dissolve it completely stir it with spoon or hand whisker. When the dough is no longer sticky, take it out of the bowl keep on a plain surface and knead it for around 10 minutes until it becomes soft and smooth.

• Raise the flour:

Take a bowl and apply some oil on sides, place the prepared dough in the bowl and keep it in a warm place after covering with plastic wrap or cling wrap. Let it rest for 1 hour 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size.

• Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven at 475 degree F and place a baking tray on a middle rack.

• Bread balls:

Take out the dough and punch it to release the air. Divide the dough into 9 or 10 equal parts, make them round in shape. Cover them with a towel and let them rest for 5 minutes.

• Roll out dough:

On a flat surface roll each ball into a circle and make the thickness of bread about 1/4 inch. The dough should not spring back, if it does let them rest for few more minutes. You can garnish them with some sesame seeds if you want.

• Bake the breads:

Now place the 2 or more Pita breads in the preheated oven and bake them for around 3 -4 minutes or until they become fluffy and golden brown.

• Cool and Serve:

Now take out the pita breads and cover them with a kitchen towel and keep them for around 4-5 minutes. Your homemade pita’s are ready to serve.

Time Required:

• Preparation time- 50 minutes
• First rise – 1 hour 30 minutes
• Baking time- 20 -30 minutes
• Total time required – Around 3 hours

Tools Required:

• Mixing bowl: To combine wet and dry ingredients.
• Hand whisker:  To mix well all the ingredients.
• Rolling pin (optional): To make the dough flat.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For the accurate measurement of all the ingredients.
• Baking tray: To place the breads for baking.
• Parchment paper: To line up the baking tray to prevent from sticking.

Methods for eating pita Breads:

• As a sandwich
• As a wrap
• With dips
• As a pizza base
• Salad bowl

How to store?

• Short-term storage:

Cover the pita breads with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Place them in a plastic bag or zip lock bag and put them in a bread storage box on room temperature. This way you can store them for 1-2 days. Avoid to keep them in the direct sunlight.

• Medium-term storage:

Place the pita breads in a plastic bag or zip lock bag and keep them in refrigerator. The breads will be fresh for a week. You just have to reheat them before use. To prevent them from sticking to each other you can also separate them from each other by placing the parchment paper in between the layers.

• Long-term storage:

Wrap each pita bread with a plastic wrap or aluminum foil and put them in a freezer safe bag or airtight container. Keep them in the freezer. This way you can keep the breads fresh for up to  3 months. Just reheat them before use or if you do not have much time you can keep them on room temperature for around 1-2 hours.

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