Like Mediterranean food? What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you mention a recipe? If you ask us, the very first dish we think of is pita bread. It is a classic example of a Mediterranean flatbread, traditionally filled with meat, vegetables or even falafel and enjoyed like a wrap (or sandwich). You are being served pita bread with hummus, baba ganoush and more on a table platter. Have you ever tried making this soft, spongy and delicious bread at home? Celebrity chef Anahita Dhondi explains how to make this delicious bread at home.
Also known as Arabic bread, Syrian bread or Greek pita bread, it is generally made with maida (all purpose flour); But you can also use several grains or whole wheat to add to the nutritious aspect of the dish. Although the dough used to make pita bread is somewhat similar to that used for making naan or pizza, some of the techniques and ingredients used in pita bread recipes set it apart. Unlike other types of bread, pita bread comes with a pocket so that it can be filled with a variety of fillings.
Chef Anahita showcased the recipe on her Instagram handle and captioned it, “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve eaten roti and not pita and there are two thumb rules for this and what I’ve learned along the way. “
Read also: how to cook perfect falafel
How to Make Pita Bread at Home – Recipe by Chef Anahita Dhondi:
To make this recipe we need flour, water, salt, sugar, active dry yeast and olive oil.
First boil some water and add sugar and yeast to it. Beat it well and keep it aside. In another bowl add all purpose flour and salt, mix well and keep aside.
Meanwhile, once the yeast mixture bubbles up, mix it with the flour mixed with a little olive oil. Knead everything thoroughly until the dough clears the test window. Now take out the dough in a well oiled bowl and keep it aside for an hour.
Next, take the dough and make sure you let the air out. Divide it into small balls as desired. You have to cover the balls and let them rise for another 20 minutes.
For this recipe, it is very important to preheat your oven to its highest setting. Don’t forget to put the tray inside to preheat. Take your dough and roll it into a thickness of about 2-3 mm. Do not make it too thin because if you do so then it may turn into papad once it is baked.
To make some steam, place a bowl of ice water in the oven. Place your pita on a hot tray and let it cook for a maximum of three minutes. And, you have freshly baked pita bread, ready to eat.
Chef Anahita also mentioned two rules of thumb she learned when making pita bread:
- When you’re ready for the baking process, make sure your oven and the tray inside it is hot.
- Your yeast should be active and not dead when making it.
Watch the detailed recipe video on how to make pita bread at home:
Read also: High-Protein Diet: How to Make Desi-Style Rajma Hummus (Recipe Inside)
Try baking some pita bread at home and enjoy it at home along with some refreshing hummus. click here For some of our favorite hummus recipes.