Middle Eastern food has become quite popular these days because they are infused with exotic spices and fresh ingredients native to that part of the world. Every cuisine has its characteristic feature which is influenced by its environment, culture and natural resources. For instance, one can find the influence of Greek on Middle Eastern cuisines which tends to be healthy due to incorporation of ingredients such as olive oil, tahini, eggplant, etc. Pita bread is often served with every meal in Middle East and it can be used for dipping or to make delicious sandwiches.
Ingredients
1. 2 teaspoons Yeast
2. 1 cup warm water
3. 21/2 cups all-purpose flour
4. ¼ cup Whole wheat flour
5. 1 tea-spoon salt
6. ½ tea spoon sugar
7. 2 table spoons olive oil
Procedure
1. Add yeast and sugar to 1 cup of lukewarm water and stir it to dissolve and keep it aside for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Now mix the flours, olive oil and salt in a large bowl and add yeast water to the flour gradually by stirring it with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Place the dough on the floured surface and knead it until it is smooth, supple and elastic. Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and keep it aside for about 2 hours or until the quantity doubles up in bulk.
3. Now take out the dough onto floured surface and add extra flour to prevent sticking and then divide the dough into equal pieces. Next, using rolling-pin, flatten each ball into 6 inch circles and place them on slightly greased baking sheet. Make sure that rolled out pieces fit on your baking sheet and let it rest uncovered for 15 minutes.
4. Pre heat the oven to 500°F and place it on the bottom rack of your oven and bake them for about 5 minutes so that it is puffed and turns golden-yellow in color. Repeat the same process for all the pieces and let it cool before wrapping them in kitchen towels and store them in plastic bags in freezer.
5. Pitas can be baked 1 week before, cooled and then frozen for about one month. However, don't forget to thaw before heating and wrap them in foil and heat them in oven at 350 F for couple of minutes and serve them hot to your loved ones.
However, don't worry if your pita does not puff or if you find dry bits of dough because it still tastes great. Always remember that the more you bake pitas, more you will become familiar with the tricks and pitfalls which will help you in making perfect, yummy pitas.