35
Bread/Dough
Pita Bread
The key to achieving the signature pocket in a pita bread is a smooth dough and a very hot oven
and baking pan.
Yield:
six 8-inch (20 cm) pita breads
INGREDIENTS
1¾
teaspoons (9 ml) active dry yeast
Pinch granulated sugar
1
cup (250 ml) warm water (105˚F to 110˚F
[40°C to 43°C])
2
cups (500 ml) unbleached, all-purpose
flour
1
cup (250 ml) whole wheat flour
1½
teaspoons (7.5 ml) fine sea salt
1
tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Put the yeast, sugar, and water into a liquid measuring cup. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes
until foamy.
2. Insert the chopping blade into the work bowl of the food processor. Add the flours and the salt
and process on Low to sift. When the yeast is proofed, run the food processor on Low and
slowly add the yeast mixture through the feed tube, following with the olive oil. Knead the
dough for 40 seconds. The dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly tacky.
3. Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and knead for another minute or for another
minute or two by hand to soften some more. Add additional flour if the dough seems too
sticky, or a little water if it seems too dry.
4. Transfer the dough to a clean bowl and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let the
dough sit at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Divide the dough into 6 pieces. Lightly flour a clean work surface with flour and shape
each into a ball. Cover the balls with a damp towel or plastic wrap and allow to rise for another
30 minutes.
6. Put a baking sheet in the middle of an oven and preheat to 500°F (260°C).
7. While the oven is preheating, roll each round into an 8-inch circle. Starting with 2 or 3 at a
time, transfer the dough circles to the hot pan and bake until lightly golden and puffed,
about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and loosely cover to keep warm. Repeat
with remaining dough circles.
8. Serve warm, stuffed with your favourite fillings.
Nutritional information per pita:
Calories 199 (25% from fat) • carb. 33g • pro. 5g • fat 6g • sat. fat 1g • chol. 0mg • sod. 429mg • calc. 6mg • fiber 2g
