Whole Wheat Pita Bread Recipe
The Whole Wheat Pita Bread recipe offers a wholesome twist to the classic pita bread by using a perfect combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour. After experimenting with multiple proportions, this recipe has settled on a half-and-half ratio for the best flavor and texture. However, feel free to adjust the flours to suit your dietary needs or preferences. This recipe is simple yet incredibly rewarding, yielding soft, fluffy pita bread with delightful pockets, perfect for stuffing or serving alongside your favorite dishes.
Recipe Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Continental |
| Course | Main Course |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40 minutes |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 ½ cups |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Active Dry Yeast | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Lukewarm Water | 1 ¼ cups |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | ~4g |
| Carbohydrates | ~28g |
| Fat | ~3g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
(Values are approximate and vary based on portion size and specific brands used.)
Instructions
| Step | Process |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Yeast: Start by activating the yeast. If using active dry yeast (which looks like small granules), follow the instructions on the packet to bloom it in lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar. If using fast-action yeast (fine and granular like semolina), you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients. |
| 2 | Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, and sugar. Gradually incorporate the activated yeast (or dry yeast if using fast-action) into the flour mixture. Add lukewarm water little by little while mixing the dough to form a cohesive ball. |
| 3 | Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Add olive oil and knead vigorously for about 8–10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky, dust it lightly with more flour. |
| 4 | First Rise: Grease a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough in it, and cover with cling wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let it rest in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. |
| 5 | Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch the dough down gently to release excess air. Divide it into 10 equal portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball. Place the balls on a floured tray, cover with a damp cloth, and let them rest for another 30 minutes. |
| 6 | Preheat the Oven: While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F). It is important to preheat the oven for at least 30 minutes to ensure a hot baking environment for the pita bread. |
| 7 | Roll the Pitas: Take one dough ball and roll it out on a floured surface using a rolling pin. Aim for a thickness of about ⅛–¼ inch. Repeat with the remaining dough balls. |
| 8 | Bake the Pita Bread: Place the rolled-out dough on a preheated baking sheet or directly on a pizza stone. Bake each pita for 3–5 minutes, or until they puff up beautifully to form pockets. Remove from the oven and cover with a clean kitchen towel to retain their softness. |
| 9 | Serve and Enjoy: Serve the freshly baked Whole Wheat Pita Bread warm with soups, salads, or dips, or use them to create stuffed sandwiches like Egg Bhurji Pita Pockets, Aloo Tikki Pita Sandwiches, or Falafel and Roasted Veggie Pitas. The possibilities are endless! |
Tips for Perfect Pita Bread
- Temperature Matters: Ensure the oven is thoroughly preheated to help the pita puff.
- Thin Rolling: Roll the dough evenly and thinly for well-defined pockets.
- Storage: Store leftover pitas in an airtight container or freeze them. Reheat gently on a stovetop or in the oven before serving.
Whether you’re using these as the foundation for hearty sandwiches or as an accompaniment to flavorful dips, this Whole Wheat Pita Bread recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves homemade bread. Let us know how it turned out, and don’t forget to experiment with toppings and fillings to make it your own!
