Here’s a simple recipe for homemade pita bread:
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil (if using).
- Knead Dough:
- Mix until a dough forms, then transfer it to a floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Shape Pitas:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten each ball into a disc about 1/4 inch thick. Dust with flour if needed to prevent sticking.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the discs with a damp cloth and let them rest for about 30 minutes.
- Bake Pitas:
- Carefully place the pitas on the hot baking stone or a baking sheet. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until they puff up and have light golden spots.
- Cool:
- Remove from the oven and let them cool in a clean towel to keep them soft.
Tips
- You can store any leftovers in an airtight container or freeze them for later.
- Enjoy your pita bread with dips, fillings, or just as a side!
Enjoy your homemade pita bread!
