Description
This soft homemade pita bread is baked at a high temperature to create perfectly puffed pockets. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s ideal for sandwiches, wraps, dipping, or serving alongside Mediterranean meals.
Ingredients
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3 cups white bread flour, plus more for dusting
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1½ teaspoons salt
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1 teaspoon superfine sugar
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1 teaspoon active dry yeast
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1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for brushing
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1 cup lukewarm water (approximately)
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Stir in the sugar and yeast.
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Make a well in the center and add the olive oil and lukewarm water. Stir until a dough forms.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
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Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Punch down the dough and divide into 6–8 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball, place on a baking sheet, cover, and rest for 10 minutes.
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Roll each dough ball into a round or oval about 6 inches wide and ¼ inch thick. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) with 2–3 baking sheets inside.
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Transfer the pitas to the hot baking sheets and bake for 5 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden.
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Remove from the oven and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep soft while cooling.
Notes
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High oven heat is essential for proper puffing.
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Keep rolled pitas evenly thick for best results.
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Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
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Reheat briefly in the oven or a dry skillet before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 MINS
- RISE TIME: 1 HOUR 40 MINS
- Cook Time: 5 MINS
- Category: BREAD
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean