How to Make Pita Breads Easily

Make soft pitas that can be stored for a long time. Learn how to make them with and without yeast, prepare shawarma bread, or even make them without an oven. Plus, discover how to turn them into crispy pita chips.

Let’s start!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

• 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Before We Start

Warm Water for Yeast:
Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.

Knead Thoroughly:
Knead the dough well until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops gluten for the puffing effect.

Rest the Dough Properly:
Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size for the best texture.

Preheat the Oven or Pan:
Use a very hot oven (450°F or higher) or skillet for perfect puffing.

Roll Evenly:
Roll the dough into even circles about 1/4-inch thick for consistent cooking.

Cook Quickly:
Pitas puff best when cooked quickly at high heat.

Instructions

Set the Yeast
Step 1: Bring a bowl, add warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir it and let it rest for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, bubbly, and airy.

Prepare the Dough
Step 2: Take a bowl, add 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture with olive oil into it. Mix it until crumbling, then knead it for 2-3 minutes. Don’t fold it again and again while kneading. Form a dough.
Step 3: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth.
Step 4: Cover the dough at room temperature for 1-2 hours to rise in a greased bowl until it doubles in size.

Make Shapes
Step 5: Turn out the dough from the bowl and divide it into 8 equal portions.
Step 6: Shape all 8 portions into balls, then flatten each into a circle about 6 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick.

Cook the Pitas
Step 7:

In the Oven:

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven to heat.

2. Transfer the rolled-out pita onto the hot baking sheet. Bake for 2-3 minutes until they puff up and develop light golden spots.

3. Remove from the oven and cover with a clean cloth or towel to keep them warm and soft.

On the Stovetop:

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.

2. Place a rolled-out pita on the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until it puffs up and gets light brown spots.

Step 8: Serve with a dip or freeze for later.

Serve

Serve the pita bread warm or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer.

What Goes with Pita Bread

These soft pita breads pair perfectly with:

• Dipping in hummus or baba ganoush

• Grilled vegetables

• Falafel

• Shawarma by filling them

Recipes Related to Pita Bread

Pita Bread Without Yeast

Add in a bowl: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, a little warm water, and a touch of olive oil. Let the dough rise for 30-60 minutes.
Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Make portions, then roll with a spin roll a little thick.
Cook in a preheated oven, skillet, or grill if you prefer.
Perfect and easy pita!

Bread for Shawarma

Take a bowl, add all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, a little warm water, and a bit of oil. Knead it well until smooth.
Let the dough rise. Make small portions and roll them with a spin roll into thin rounds.
Cook over a skillet, in an oven, grill, or even in an air fryer until puffed.
Perfectly ready for wrapping shawarma.

Pita bread Without Oven

Using a tawa or skillet, preheat over low-medium heat. After rolling the dough into balls, place them on the skillet. Cook on medium flame until the color changes, then flip. Each bread takes 2-4 minutes.
Cover pita breads in a cloth to keep them warm and soft.

How to make Pita Chips

Using Remaining Dough or Pre-Made Pita Bread:

• Cut pita bread into triangles or ovals.

Without Oven:

1. In a small bowl, add a little oil and sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika (if preferred).

2. Pour the pita shapes into the mixture and coat them well.

3. Add the coated pita pieces into a preheated pan filled with enough oil.

4. Cook on low-medium flame for 2-4 minutes.

In Oven:

1. After shaping the pita chips, brush them with oil and sprinkle paprika (if preferred) and salt.

2. Bake at 375°F (190°C).

   
   

Conclusion

Firstly, prepare the yeast:

• Bring a bowl, pour warm water, sugar, and yeast, stir it, and set aside until frothy (until the yeast puffs up with air).

Next, prepare the dough:

• Take a bowl and add flour and salt with enough quantity as needed. Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl and mix it until crumbling. Then add a little warm water.

• Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead it well for 4-5 minutes.

• Cover it with a towel or cloth for 20-30 minutes until it doubles in size.

Shape and cook the dough:

• After the dough has risen, turn it out from the bowl and divide it into portions.

• Make medium balls and flatten them with a rolling pin.

For cooking on the stove:

• Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Place a rolled-out pita in the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until it puffs up and gets light brown spots.

For cooking in the oven:

• Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven to heat.

• Transfer the rolled-out pitas to the hot baking sheet and bake for 2-3 minutes until they puff up and develop light golden spots.

• Remove from the oven and cover with a clean towel to keep soft and warm.

Now you can enjoy it dry or with dipping hummus and a filling of shawarma!

For More Recipes, Check Out:

• Make tortillas in easy steps

• Make grilled fish at home

• How to make fruit salad (perfect)

• Make perfect cucumber salad

• How to make pizza at home

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