Pita bread, the easy Arabic bread recipe

Discover how to make authentic Pita Bread , the popular Arabic flatbread , similar to naan bread but hollow inside. This characteristic gives it the great advantage of being a very versatile bread (you can fill it with anything from the classic falafel to raw or roasted vegetables, or delicious strips of meat). And you will love to know that it is a super easy recipe to make!

This quick and easy recipe will guide you step by step to create this soft and versatile flatbread at home, perfect to accompany your favorite dishes or to enjoy alone, bathed in olive oil (it is also delicious!). Learn the secrets to achieving the perfect texture and that unmistakable flavor that only Pita Bread can offer.

We accompany it with a video recipe, which we hope will make it easier for you.

History and Curiosities

Pita Bread, with its origins in the Middle East, is more than just a side dish; It is a centerpiece on the table that reflects centuries of culinary tradition. This flatbread, known for its distinctive inner pocket, has been a staple in the diet of many cultures, from the Mediterranean to the Middle East, the Balkans and beyond. Its versatility has made it popular around the world, adapting to a variety of fillings and uses, from classic falafel to being the base for delicious Mediterranean-style pizzas.

You will be interested to know about the recipe:

• Versatility: Pita Bread can be enjoyed in many ways, whether filled, toasted, or even used as a base for homemade pizzas.
• Nutrition: Traditionally made with simple, natural ingredients, Pita Bread can be a healthy option, especially when made at home with whole wheat flour or added yogurt for a softer texture and extra protein.
• Cooking Technique: The technique to ensure that the Pita Bread puffs up correctly, creating the internal bag, is fascinating and results from rapid cooking at high temperature. This process is not only key to its structure, but also contributes to its unique flavor.

How to make pita bread

(with ingredients and step by step below)

KitchenAid Artisan Robot

Ingredients

• 420 g plain flour
• 7 g active dry yeast
• 250 ml warm water
• 10 g salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Preparation

1. In the bowl of your KitchenAid robot , add the yeast, water at room temperature and 150 g of flour.
2. Use the whisk and mix at medium-low speed until you get a homogeneous dough (speed 2). Let this preparation rest in a warm place for about 10 minutes, or until you see bubbles forming on the surface.
3. Now add the salt, olive oil and the rest of the flour (270 g) to the bowl.
4. Switch to the dough hook and knead for about 5 minutes.
5. The dough should be elastic, a little sticky to the touch but should come off the sides of the bowl without problems. If the dough feels excessively wet, gradually add flour, a tablespoon at a time, while you continue kneading.
6. Let the dough rest in a warm environment until it doubles in volume (approx. 2 hours).
7. After that time, on a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Form each portion into balls, gathering the dough toward the center at the base. Apply a light touch of olive oil on each one (use a kitchen brush). Cover them with a clean cloth and let them rest for 30 more minutes.
8. Flatten each ball until it reaches a thickness of approximately 0.5 cm. Heat a frying pan over low/medium heat and cook your pita breads one by one, greasing each one before adding a little oil or butter.
9. When the bread begins to puff up and shows brown spots on its surface, it's time to turn it over (remove when the second side also shows signs of browning).
10. Total cooking time should be about 5 minutes, turning the bread every minute for even cooking.

Grades

• Milk or yogurt: For recipes seeking a softer crumb and slightly enriched flavor.
• To add milk: You can replace part or all of the water (250 ml) with warm milk to enrich the dough. Milk provides softness and a slightly sweet flavor to the bread.
• To add yogurt: Add about 2 to 4 tablespoons of plain yogurt to your recipe. This is typically done in addition to the liquid already mentioned, so you may need to adjust the amount of water to make sure the dough is not too wet. Yogurt provides acidity and tends to soften the crumb, resulting in a more tender bread.
• Whole wheat flour: For those who prefer a healthier version with more fiber, you can replace part of the common flour with whole wheat flour.
• Partial substitution with all-purpose flour: To make your pita bread healthier without compromising too much on texture, you can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour (420 g) with whole wheat flour. A good starting point would be to use 210g of all-purpose flour and 210g of wholemeal flour. Adjust the amount of water if necessary, since whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid than all-purpose flour.