Mediterranean Cuisine for me is one the fall-backs I go to anytime I just don’t feel like Indian food. Pita Bread is almost like Chapatis, something that looks so familiar yet tastes so different. Traditionally, made with All-Purpose Flour, Whole Wheat Pita Bread is a little healthier twist on it without compromising on the flavors. Enjoy them as wraps, sandwich-pockets or as pita chips, they are easy to make and great to have around.
Prep Time: 15 min
Rise Time: 30min-1 hr
Cook Time: 30 min
Makes: 8-10 pitas
Ingredients:
Whole Wheat Flour – 2 cups (approx 300gm)
Rapid Rise Yeast – 1tsp
Warm Water – 1/2 cup
Sugar – 1/2 tsp
Kosher Salt or regular Salt – 1/2 tsp
Room-Temperature Water – approx 3/4 cup
Olive Oil – 1 tbsp
Whole Wheat Flour (for dusting) – 1/2 cup
Method:
1. Add the Yeast and the Sugar to the Warm Water, mix and allow it to froth. May take 5-10 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix the Whole Wheat Flour and the Salt.
3. Once mixed, form a well in the center.
4. Pour in the Activated Yeast and mix with a wooden spoon.
5. Add in additional room-temperature Water, a little at a time, and till the dough comes together. The dough will be stickier than that of Chapati dough.
6. Take another clean mixing bowl, and coat Olive Oil well all over.
7. Pour the dough into it and form a ball with Olive Oil all around.
8. Smear some Olive Oil on a knife and make a ‘X’ on the top of the dough.
9. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
10. Once risen, clean the counter well and dust with a little additional Flour.
11. Pour the Dough onto the counter and start working the Flour into the Dough.
12. Knead by pushing the Dough and then bringing it back to you and folding it in – and repeat till all the Flour is used up and the Dough is a workable consistency.
13. Once done, dust a little bit more Flour onto a work surface and portion out the Dough to form form balls to roll out.
14. Divide the Dough, take a portion and dust a bit of Flour and with your thumb, push apart and tuck in the dough. Repeat till you have a clean dough ball with no creases.
15. The underside, tuck in and roll out in your palms.
16. Place the dough-ball on the dusted work surface. Repeat till all the dough-ball are prepped.
17. Cover and leave for 10 minutes.
18. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450 degree F (approx 230 degrees C) with the baking sheet or a pizza stone in it.
19. Roll out the dough-balls, just as you would Chapatis, use a little Flour if needed. Do not roll too thin.
20. Once rolled place onto the hot baking sheet or pizza stone and allow them to puff. The rack for the baking should be as low as possible in the oven.
21. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, take the tray out and flip the Pitas and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
22. Remove and continue the process for all of the Pitas.
23. Serve hot store in an insulated container till ready to serve.
24. Stack them well so they do not dry up.
25. Enjoy them with some Hummus, Tahini Paste or with some filling as Pita Pockets.
Tips:
1. Have too many? Freeze the Pitas for a lazy day!
2. Add additional flavoring to the dough to make it sure exciting.
Related Recipes suggestions:
Tahini Paste and Tahini Sauce
Hummus
Spinach & Green Pea Hummus
Greek Layered Dip
