Pita Bread
Pita Bread
Prep Time: 25 mins | Cook Time: 6 mins per loaf | Total Time: ~2 hrs 15 mins | Servings: 10 loaves
Ingredients:
- 7 grams - 1 packet dry active yeast
- 480 grams - (2 cups) warm water, divided
- 480 grams - (4 cups) all-purpose flour, (separate into 450g and 30g) plus more for flouring board
- 150 grams - (1 ¼ cups) whole wheat flour
- 60 grams - (¼ cup) olive oil, plus more for greasing the bowl
- 6 grams - (1 teaspoon) fine sea salt
- 1 gram - (¼ teaspoon) sugar
Directions:
Prepare Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in 1 cup of warm water.
- Add the remaining 1 cup of water, olive oil, salt, and sugar. Gradually add in 3 ¾ cups (450g) of all-purpose flour and 1 ¼ cups (150g) of whole wheat flour. Begin mixing with a silicone spoon, then switch to using your hands as the dough starts to form. The dough will be sticky.
Knead the Dough:
- Flour a large wooden board and turn out the dough onto the board.
- Incorporate the remaining ¼ cup (30g) of all-purpose flour, adding it a tablespoon at a time until the dough is no longer too sticky. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
First Rise:
- Grease a large bowl with olive oil. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in the bowl, and turn it to coat with oil.
- Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise until it doubles in size, about 1 ½ hours.
Second Rise:
- Transfer the dough to the floured board and punch it down. Cover with a clean towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 10 portions and shape each into a ball. Cover with a towel and let rest for 15 minutes more.
Preheat Oven:
- Heat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
Shape and Bake Pitas:
- Lightly flatten each dough ball on the floured board using your palms. Use your fingertips to knead the dough into a round flat disk, about ¼ inch thick, by pressing down the center and working outward. Do not flip the dough; the bottom should remain the bottom.
- Bake each loaf one at a time. Place the dough on the hot stones and bake for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned underneath, then flip with tongs and bake for 1 minute more until browned and puffed on both sides.
Keep Pitas Warm:
- After baking, use tongs to transfer each loaf to a clean towel. Cover with another towel to keep warm and prevent drying out. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.
Enjoy your homemade Pita bread!
