Easy Pita Bread
Description:
This easy pita bread recipe is a delightful venture into the world of homemade bread. The preparation time includes the rising period, making it perfect for those lazy afternoons when you’re looking for a hands-on cooking project. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll find yourself whipping up batches of these delightful pockets of goodness in no time. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on this culinary journey together!
Recipe Category: Yeast Breads
Keywords: Breads, Greek, European, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Oven, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 174.8
- Fat Content: 3.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 292.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 30.3g
- Fiber Content: 1.2g
- Sugar Content: 0.4g
- Protein Content: 4.2g
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Warm water | 2 cups |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Dry yeast | 1 packet |
| All-purpose flour | 5 cups |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the dry yeast over the mixture and let it stand for about 10 minutes or until the yeast is dissolved and becomes creamy.
-
Mix the Dough:
- Using an electric mixer, beat in 2 cups of the all-purpose flour, olive oil, and salt. Continue beating for approximately 3 minutes or until the mixture is smooth, ensuring to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
-
Knead the Dough:
- With a wooden spoon, gradually beat in enough of the remaining flour to form a stiff dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
-
Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, ensuring to turn it to coat it with oil evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until it has doubled in bulk.
-
Divide and Shape the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, divide it into either 16 or 32 pieces, depending on the desired size of your pitas. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into either 7-inch or 4-inch rounds.
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Second Rise:
- Cover the rolled dough rounds and let them rise for an additional 15 minutes or until they have slightly risen.
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 500°F (240°C) and place an ungreased baking sheet on the lowest rack to heat up.
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Bake the Pitas:
- Using a floured metal spatula, quickly transfer 2 or 3 pita rounds onto the heated baking sheet. Bake them for 3 to 4 minutes or until they have puffed up and turned lightly golden around the edges.
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Repeat and Cool:
- Repeat the baking process with the remaining pita rounds. Once baked, let the pitas cool between damp tea towels. This will help them to collapse slightly and soften while retaining their pocket shape.
-
Storage:
- If you prefer crisp pitas, you can let them cool on racks instead. These pitas can be stored in plastic bags in the freezer for up to 1 month, allowing you to enjoy homemade pitas whenever you desire!
Yield:
- This recipe yields approximately 16 7-inch pitas or 32 4-inch pitas, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends or storing for future enjoyment.
So, there you have it – a simple yet rewarding recipe for homemade pita bread that’s sure to impress! Whether you’re serving them alongside your favorite dips and spreads or using them as a base for delicious sandwiches, these freshly baked pitas are bound to elevate any meal. Enjoy the process of creating these delightful bread pockets and savor the wonderful aroma that will fill your kitchen as they bake to golden perfection. Happy cooking! 🥙🍞✨
