
Pita bread is a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make bread that can be cooked on a BBQ. It is a yeast-raised pocket bread that can be stuffed with various fillings or used as a dip. Making pita bread at home is simple and only requires a few basic ingredients. The key to achieving the perfect puffy pita is to ensure the dough is well-kneaded, rolled thinly, and cooked on a hot surface, such as a preheated baking stone or cast-iron skillet.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Preparation time | 10 minutes |
Cook time | 2 minutes |
Total time | 1 hour 17 minutes |
Ingredients | 1 tsp dry active yeast, 80 ml semi-skimmed milk, 40 ml lukewarm water, 1 tsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, 1 cup lukewarm water, 2 tsp active dry yeast, 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 to 2 tsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil |
Equipment | Kitchen Aid, cast iron skillet, rolling pin, tongs, baking steel, pizza stone, cast iron pan, oven, bowl, plastic wrap, kitchen towel, baking pan, spatula |
Techniques | Warm the milk, mix in the water, yeast and honey, rest the mixture, combine the flour, salt and olive oil, blend with the Kitchen Aid, rest the dough, roll out the dough, cook the dough, flip the pita with tongs |
What You'll Learn
How to make the pita dough
Ingredients
- Warm water
- Instant yeast or active dry yeast
- Sugar
- Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, or a combination of both)
- Olive oil
- Salt
Method
Firstly, combine the warm water, sugar, yeast, and whole wheat flour (if using) in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together and set aside for 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
Next, add the remaining flour, olive oil, and salt. Stir the mixture until it forms what bakers call a "shaggy mass". At this stage, the dough will be sticky and look like a mess, with bits that can easily be pulled off.
Now it's time to knead the dough. You can do this by hand or with a stand mixer. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes soft but stretchy. Be careful not to add too much extra flour during this process, as this can affect the moisture content of the dough. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, and you should feel some resistance when you pull on it.
Once the dough is kneaded, transfer it to an oiled bowl and cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. Place the bowl in a warm spot and let the dough rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, you can divide it into 6-8 equal pieces and shape them into balls. Cover the dough balls with a towel and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes.
Tips
- Make sure your yeast is active by combining it with warm water and sugar. If the mixture doesn't become foamy after 10-15 minutes, your yeast may be dead, and you will need to start over with new yeast.
- The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not too wet. Only add a very small amount of flour if the dough seems too sticky.
- When kneading the dough, it's okay if it sticks to the bottom of the bowl, but if it sticks to the sides, use a plastic scraper to free it.
- If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can store it in the fridge for up to a day after it has risen.
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How to form the pita bread
To form pita bread, you'll need to divide the dough, roll it out, and let it rest before baking.
First, punch the dough down and transfer it to a clean surface. Divide the dough into 7-8 even pieces and shape them into balls. Cover the dough balls with a damp kitchen towel and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This will help the gluten relax and make the dough easier to roll out.
Next, roll each ball of dough into a circle that's about 7-9 inches wide and less than 1/4 inch thick. You can use a floured rolling pin to do this, lifting and turning the dough frequently to prevent it from sticking to the counter. If the dough starts to spring back, set it aside to rest for a few minutes before continuing to roll. Make sure the disks are not sticking to the counter and keep them covered with a damp towel while you work. Do not stack the pitas.
Let the disks rest for another 10 minutes before baking, as this will help them puff better.
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How to cook the pita bread
How to cook pita bread on the BBQ
Ingredients
- Warm water
- Yeast
- Sugar
- Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, or a combination of the two)
- Olive oil
- Salt
Optional ingredients
- Milk
- Honey
Method
- Combine the water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl and set aside for 10-15 minutes until foamy.
- Add the remaining dry ingredients (flour and salt) and olive oil to the bowl and stir until a shaggy mass is formed.
- Knead the dough for 2-10 minutes, either by hand or using a stand mixer, until it becomes a smooth, elastic ball. Add small amounts of flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Let the dough rise in a covered, oiled bowl for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces and form them into balls. Cover with a towel and let rest for 10-30 minutes.
- Roll out each ball into a circle that is approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy-duty baking pan on the BBQ to a high temperature (at least 475°F).
- Place the rolled-out pita dough directly on the hot surface and cook for 1-3 minutes on each side, until puffed and lightly browned.
- Remove from the heat and cover the cooked pitas with a towel to keep them warm and prevent them from drying out.
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How to store the pita bread
Storing your pita bread correctly is essential to keep it fresh and soft. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store pita bread:
Storing Freshly Baked Pita Bread:
- Allow the pitas to cool down: Before storing, it is important to let the freshly baked pitas cool down. This helps prevent moisture buildup that can make the pita bread soggy.
- Wrap the pitas in a kitchen cloth: Once they are cool, wrap the pitas in a clean kitchen cloth or tea towel. This helps keep them warm and soft while also allowing them to breathe.
- Store at room temperature: Pita bread can be stored at room temperature in a bread box or airtight bag for up to 2 days. Keeping them in a cool, dry place will help extend their shelf life.
Freezing Pita Bread:
- Cool completely: If you plan to freeze your pita bread, make sure they are completely cooled before storing. Freezing warm pitas can cause moisture buildup and affect their texture.
- Use freezer bags: Place the pitas in freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Layering wax paper between each pita makes it easier to remove individual pitas without thawing the entire batch.
- Freeze for up to 3 months: Properly stored pita bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label the freezer bags with the date to keep track of how long they have been frozen.
- Thaw and reheat: When ready to use, remove the desired number of pitas from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them up in a medium-heated oven or toaster oven without thawing first.
Tips for Storing Pita Bread:
- Avoid refrigeration: Do not store pita bread in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to dry out. The freezer is a better option for long-term storage.
- Reheat before serving: For best results, reheat thawed or room-temperature pita bread before serving. This can be done in an oven, toaster oven, or even over an open flame for a few minutes.
- Prevent drying: If you notice your pita bread drying out, try adding a splash of water to them before reheating. This can help restore some moisture and make them softer.
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What to serve with the pita bread
Now that you've cooked your pita bread on the BBQ, it's time to think about what to serve with it. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience and create a delicious and memorable meal:
Dips
Dips are a great way to add flavour and moisture to your pita bread. Hummus is a classic option, especially if you make it yourself and add a Mediterranean twist with a blend of chickpeas, or try it with beetroot. You could also make your own tzatziki, a Greek yoghurt, cucumber and garlic dip, or go for something more simple like olive oil and za'atar for dipping.
Salads
Salads are a refreshing accompaniment to pita bread and can be served on the side or stuffed inside. Chicken Caesar salad is a great option to turn your pita into a more substantial meal, or you could try a Greek salad. If you're looking for something a little different, a pear Waldorf salad is a guaranteed table brightener.
Fillings
Fill your pita with crispy fresh veggies like tomatoes, bell peppers and onions, or try something more unusual like cucumbers and sausages. If you're after a more substantial filling, go for shredded chicken gyros or chicken Caesar pitas. For vegetarians, a mix of roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas makes a great filling, or you could try a curried beetroot filling.
Pita Pizzas
Why not turn your pita into a pizza? Top it with anything from brussels sprouts to jalapeno poppers, blackberries and ricotta, or tomato, onion and arugula. If you're after a more substantial meal, try a breakfast pizza with eggs, mozzarella and spinach, or go for a Greek chicken salad pita pizza.
Sides
Pita bread is a versatile dish that can be served with a wide range of sides. Roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious option, especially with a bit of salad to freshen them up. If you're looking for something more substantial, try crispy veggies and beef, or chicken gyros.
Other Ideas
Pita bread is a great carrier for all sorts of toppings and fillings. You can go for something simple like butter or jam, or get creative with fillings like Mediterranean meatballs, Greek sausage pita pizzas, or even brats and sauerkraut.
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Frequently asked questions
Pita bread should be cooked for about a minute on each side. Keep a close eye on them so they don't burn.
The oven should be heated to 450°F-500°F.
The pita bread will puff up after about a minute on each side and will be done when it has fully ballooned.
Use tongs to flip the pita bread. Do not flip by hand as the pita bread will fill with hot steam.
Yes, pita bread can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to three months.