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!