Pita bread (Arabic bread)

Pita bread (Arabic bread)

Pita bread is a variety of bread of Mediterranean origin, characterized by its rounded shape and its ability to swell when cooked, creating a bag inside. It is often used to wrap foods, such as sandwiches or kebabs, and is popular for its versatility and soft texture. It is baked at a high temperature, which contributes to its distinctive puffy characteristic.

Ingredients

For approximately 8 pita breads:

• 500 g of wheat flour (you can use whole wheat flour if you prefer)

• 7 g active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon of sugar

• 300 ml of warm water

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Before making pita bread, make sure you have wheat flour, yeast, warm water and salt on hand. Ready to bake delicious pitas!

Preparation

1. In a small bowl, mix the active dry yeast with the sugar and 100 ml of warm water. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a hole in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.

3. Begin mixing the ingredients with a wooden spoon or your hand until a dough forms.

4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

5. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean, damp cloth, and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

6. Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F).

7. Once the dough has doubled in size, divide it into 8 equal parts and shape each part into a ball.

8. Roll out each ball into a circle about 15cm in diameter and 0.5cm thick.

9. Place the dough circles on a lightly floured baking sheet or parchment paper.

10. Bake the pita breads for about 5-7 minutes, or until puffed and golden.

11. Once baked, remove the pita panels from the oven and let them cool on a rack.

12. Once they are completely cooled, you can cut them in half with a sharp knife to open the pocket.

Ready! Now you have homemade pita bread to enjoy with your favorite toppings, like hummus, falafel, vegetables, and more. Enjoy!