Pita Bread

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Servings: 1 cups Difficulty: Advanced
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Soft, pocketed whole wheat flatbreads perfect for stuffing or dipping
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Pita Bread

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 1 cups Calories: 412.7
Dietary:
V Vegan

Description

This homemade pita bread delivers the authentic experience of warm, pillowy soft flatbreads straight from the oven. Using whole wheat flour and a simple sponge method, these pitas develop a tender crumb and a slightly chewy exterior. The key to success is high heat, which causes the bread to puff up beautifully, creating a convenient pocket for fillings like falafel, hummus, or grilled vegetables. While you can use all-purpose flour for a lighter texture, whole wheat adds a nutty depth and heartier nutrition. These breads are incredibly versatile, serving as a vehicle for dips or a side for Mediterranean meals. Made with just yeast, water, flour, salt, and olive oil, this recipe is naturally vegan and straightforward to prepare. Keep them wrapped in a towel after baking to retain their softness, or freeze extras for quick meals later.

Directions

  1. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm water in a large bowl.
  2. Stir to dissolve the yeast.
  3. Add the whole wheat flour and 1 cup of the white flour.
  4. Stir vigorously for about one minute in the same direction to activate the gluten.
  5. Let this sponge rest for at least 10 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  6. Sprinkle salt over the sponge and stir in the olive oil.
  7. Mix well, then add the remaining 3 cups of white flour, one cup at a time.
  8. When the dough is too stiff to stir, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
  9. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  10. Return the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
  11. Let rise until at least double in size, approximately 1 1/2 hours.
  12. Gently punch down the dough.
  13. Place a baking stone or unglazed quarry tiles on a rack in the bottom third of the oven.
  14. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (232°C).
  15. Divide the dough in half, keeping one half covered while working with the other.
  16. Divide the working half into eight equal pieces and flatten each with lightly floured hands.
  17. Roll out each piece into a circle 8 to 9 inches in diameter.
  18. Cover the rolled-out breads with a towel, but do not stack them.
  19. Bake 2 to 4 pitas at a time directly on the hot stone or baking sheets.
  20. Bake for 3 to 4 minutes, until the bread puffs up fully or starts to turn lightly golden.
  21. Remove baked pitas and place on a rack to cool slightly.
  22. Wrap the hot breads in a large kitchen towel to keep them soft.
  23. Repeat the process with the remaining half of the dough.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1 cups

Amount Per Serving
Calories 412.7kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3.0g5%
Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 15.0mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 87.3g30%
Dietary Fiber 12.1g49%
Sugars 0.6g
Protein 15.7g32%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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