Homemade Pita Bread

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. This homemade pita bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for scooping up your favorite hummus or wrapping around delicious fillings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can elevate your meals to a whole new level.

Ingredients

🌾 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
🍯 1 tablespoon sugar
🧂 1 ½ teaspoons salt
🍶 1 packet (about 2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
🌊 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1- Activate the Yeast:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast.
• Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture is foamy.
• This indicates that the yeast is activated.

2- Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
• Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
• Mix until a dough forms.

3- Knead the Dough:

• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
• Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

4- First Rise:

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat it with oil.
• Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
• Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

5- Shape the Pitas:

• Gently deflate the dough and divide it into 8 equal parts.
• Roll each piece into a ball. Cover with a cloth and let them rest for 10 minutes.
• This makes the dough easier to roll out.

6- Roll Out the Dough:

• Roll each ball into a circle about 1/4 inch thick, maintaining even thickness.
• Cover the rolled-out pitas with a cloth and let them rest for 30 minutes.

7- Bake the Pitas:

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet on the middle rack.
• Carefully place 2-3 pitas at a time on the hot baking surface.
• Bake for about 3-5 minutes, or until the pitas puff up and are lightly golden.

8- Cool and Enjoy:

• Remove the pitas from the oven and cover them with a clean kitchen towel to stay soft.
• Enjoy warm or let them cool completely before storing.

Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 8 pitas
Calories: Approximately 180 per pita
Proteins: 5g
Fats: 3g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Equipment: Oven, rolling pin, baking stone/inverted baking sheet

Cooking Tips

• Ensure your oven and baking surface are fully preheated to get that perfect puff.

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Homemade Pita Bread