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 feature gives it the great advantage of being a very versatile bread (you can fill it with anything from classic falafel to raw or roasted vegetables, or delicious strips of meat). And you'll love knowing that it's 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 on its own, drizzled with olive oil (this also makes it delicious!). Learn the secrets to achieve 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 its preparation 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 pouch, has been a staple in the diet of many cultures, from the Mediterranean to the Middle East to 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 stuffed, 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 prepared at home with whole-grain flour or with yogurt added for a softer texture and extra protein boost.
• Cooking Technique: The technique for getting the Pita Bread to puff up properly, creating the inner pocket, is fascinating and results from rapid cooking at a high temperature. This process is not only key to its structure, but also contributes to its unique flavour.

How to make pita bread

(with ingredients and step by step below)

KitchenAid Artisan Food Processor

Ingredients

• 420 g all purpose 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 mixer , add the yeast, water at room temperature and 150 g of flour.
2. Using a whisk , mix at medium-low speed until you get a smooth mixture (speed 2). Let this mixture 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, slightly sticky to the touch but should come away from the sides of the bowl without any problems. If the dough feels excessively wet, gradually add flour, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to knead.
6. Let the dough rest in a warm environment until it doubles in volume (approx. 2 hours).
7. After this time, on a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Form each portion into balls, gathering the dough towards the center at the base. Apply a light touch of olive oil to each one (use a kitchen brush). Cover them with a clean cloth and let them rest for another 30 minutes.
8. Flatten each ball to 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 with a little oil or butter before adding them.
9. When the bread starts to puff up and shows golden 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 that seek 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 adds softness and a slightly sweet taste 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 ensure the dough doesn't end up too wet. Yogurt adds 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, some of the all-purpose flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour.
• Partial substitution with plain flour: To make your pita bread healthier without compromising too much on the texture, you can replace up to half of the plain flour (420g) with wholemeal flour. A good starting point would be to use 210g of plain flour and 210g of wholemeal flour. Adjust the amount of water if necessary, as wholemeal flour absorbs more liquid than plain flour.