Looking for a delicious and versatile bread recipe? Look no further than homemade pita bread! This simple recipe is not only easy to make but also perfect for all occasions, whether you’re serving it with dips, using it for sandwiches, or enjoying it on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: Homemade pita bread has a fresh, wholesome taste that store-bought versions just can’t match.
- Quick prep time: With just a few basic ingredients, you can have warm, fluffy pita bread ready in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of pita bread ahead of time and store it in the freezer for a convenient option whenever you need it.
Ingredient Notes:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the base for the bread and gives it structure.
- Lukewarm water: Helps activate the yeast and create a soft dough.
- Active dry yeast or instant dry yeast: Essential for the bread to rise and develop flavor.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps it ferment.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the bread moist.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Gradually add the lukewarm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each into a ball.
- Roll out each ball into a circle and cook in a hot skillet until puffed and golden brown.
Helpful Tips:
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for the best results.
- Brush the cooked pita bread with olive oil for added flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For a softer texture, add a bit of yogurt to the dough.
- Experiment with different flours, such as whole wheat or spelt, for unique flavors.
- Try adding herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your homemade pita bread with hummus, tzatziki, or your favorite sandwich fillings. Pair it with a refreshing salad or a glass of mint tea for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store pita bread, wrap it in a towel and keep it in a sealed bag or container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze homemade pita bread? Yes, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months.
- How can I prevent my pita bread from turning out too thick? Roll the dough out thinly before cooking.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Conclusion:
Now that you have the recipe for homemade pita bread, give it a try and enjoy the delicious results! Don’t forget to share your feedback and any variations you try. Happy baking!
Print
Pita Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs
- Yield: 8 pitas 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy pita bread recipe yields soft and fluffy homemade bread that is perfect for sandwiches or dipping in hummus.
Ingredients
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Main Ingredients:
- 3⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups lukewarm water
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Dissolve sugar in lukewarm water and sprinkle yeast. Let it sit until foamy.
- Mix Dough: Combine flour, salt, and olive oil. Gradually add yeast mixture and knead into a smooth dough.
- Rise: Cover and let the dough rise until doubled in size.
- Shape and Bake: Divide dough, roll into rounds, and bake in a hot oven until puffed and golden.
Notes
- You can brush the baked pita bread with olive oil or melted butter for added flavor.
- For a whole wheat version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg