Soft & Fluffy Pita Bread
Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked pita bread, especially when it’s soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy. This easy-to-follow recipe creates perfect pockets that puff up beautifully, making them ideal for stuffing with falafel, grilled meats, or fresh salads.
Ingredients
- 500 g strong white bread flour
- 7 g instant yeast
- 10 g salt
- 5 g sugar fine
- 300 ml warm water
- 30 ml olive oil extra virgin
Instructions
Make the dough
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add the warm water and olive oil, then mix until a rough dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes (or use a stand mixer for 5 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Pitas
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into rounds about 5mm thick. Cover and let them rest for 20 minutes—this helps with puffing!
Cook the Pitas
- Preheat a heavy-based frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each pita for 1–2 minutes per side, until they puff up and develop golden spots.
Keep The Pitas Soft
- Wrap the cooked pitas in a clean tea towel to keep them warm and soft.
Tips for the Best Pita Bread
- Use high heat for a quick puff. Let the dough rest before rolling and cooking. Keep pitas covered after cooking to stay soft. Perfect for filling, dipping, or eating warm with butter! Enjoy!