Homemade Pita Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
• Extra flour for dusting

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

• In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir well and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This ensures the yeast is active.

2. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
• Add the olive oil and the yeast mixture to the flour. Stir until a dough starts to form.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, but be careful not to add too much.

3. Let the Dough Rise:

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size.

4. Shape the Pita Breads:

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a baking stone or a baking sheet in the oven to heat up.
• Punch the dough down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
• Roll each portion into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a circle about 6 inches in diameter.
• Dust each pita with a little flour to prevent sticking while rolling.

5. Bake the Pita Breads:

• Place the rolled-out dough onto the hot baking stone or baking sheet. Bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the pita puffs up and turns lightly golden. You should see the pockets forming inside the pita.
• Remove the pitas from the oven and cover them with a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft.

6. Serve:

• Allow the pita breads to cool slightly before serving. These are perfect for filling with falafel, hummus, or any of your favorite fillings.