On the days when I absolutely have no idea what to order, I always go for some good hummus and pita bread. Lately, it has become so frequent that I thought why not learn how to make it at home and save my broke pocket some stress. And so, Vidhi Doshi a.k.a. @ramenhairedgirl shared with me her recipe for homemade pita bread. If hummus and pita make your stomach grumble too then I’d suggest you try this recipe at home and watch your life change! Read on to find out the steps.
What You’ll Need
2 tsp active yeast
1 tsp sugar
1 cup warm water (90-100F)
2 1/4 cup maida
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
Salt to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Here’s How You Can Put It All Together
Step 1: In a small bowl, add the yeast and sugar. Since this is the active dry yeast, it needs to be activated before it can be used.
Step 2: Now add the warm water to this and mix once. Cover and keep aside for 10 – 15 mins till frothy and activated.
Step 3: In a large bowl add the other ingredients – maida, whole wheat flour, salt, and olive oil.
Step 4: Add the yeast mixture to it. Start mixing with a wooden spoon till just mixed and the dough starts coming together.
Step 5: Now transfer this rough dough to a clean work space and start kneading it. This will take about 5-7 minutes. If you’re tired you can stop midway, cover with a kitchen down and start after 5 minutes again. The dough is a sticky one but don’t worry, it will get better with kneading. If too sticky then add 1-2 tbsps for flour while kneading (which you might need as well).
Step 7: The kneaded dough will be soft and smooth. When pressed down it should be soft but should give some resistance while pulling back.
Step 8: Grease the bowl with some oil, place the dough in it, coat with oil and cover with cling film.
Step 9: Keep the dough in a warm place for 2 hours until it doubles in size. This is the first proofing.
Step 10: Once risen, divide the dough into 9 or 10 portions.
Step 11: Take each portion and make them into round balls. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise again for 30 minutes. This is the second proofing.
Step 12: Now take a portion and roll it into a 4 or 5-inch circle. If you want you can let this proof again for 30 minutes.
Step 13: Heat a pan and it has to be hot! Place the pita on the pan, rolled side down and let tiny bubbles form.
Step 14: Flip the pita again and let it rise slightly.
Step 15: Flip again and now the dough will start puffing completely! Store the pita in a basket covered with kitchen towel to keep them warm and soft! Enjoy as falafel sandwiches or with any dip.
Tips To Remember
- It’s important for the pan to be hot for the pitas to puff. If it’s not hot, not enough steam will form that will give the puff.
- Be careful while rolling, the dough shouldn’t tear. This will also prevent puffing.
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