Authentic Greek Pita Bread
Indulge in the warm, fluffy goodness of Authentic Greek Pita Bread! This recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create irresistibly soft and versatile flatbreads that are perfect for wraps, dips, or as an accompaniment to your favorite Mediterranean dishes. With the option to add your choice of aromatic herbs, such as oregano or coriander, each bite offers a delightful flavor experience. Elevate your meals with this easy-to-follow recipe, and enjoy the delightful aroma of freshly baked pita in your home.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
strong white bread flour
500 (g)
warm water
300 (ml)
powdered yeast
7 (g)
salt
1 (teaspoon)
olive oil
2 (tablespoons)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the strong white bread flour, salt, and powdered yeast, mixing well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
2
Gradually stir in the warm water and olive oil, mixing until the dough begins to come together.
3
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for approximately five minutes until it is smooth and springy. If the dough is too sticky, dust with additional flour as needed.
4
Shape the kneaded dough into a ball, lightly brushing the surface with olive oil to keep it moist. Place the dough in a bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
5
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to deflate. Transfer it back to the floured surface and divide the dough into six equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball.
6
Cover the balls of dough with the cloth again and let them rest for an additional 10 minutes.
7
While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 240°C (475°F). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
8
On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball of dough into a flat round shape, approximately 3 mm (1/8 inch) thick and about 17 cm (7 inches) in diameter.
9
Transfer the rolled-out flatbreads onto greased baking sheets or a preheated baking stone. Cover them loosely with a tea towel and allow them to rest for 30 minutes.
10
Before baking, lightly spray the tops of the pitas with water to create steam. Bake the pitas in the preheated oven for 2 minutes, then check to ensure they are not hard. If necessary, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes until they are firm but not browned.
11
Once baked, remove the pitas from the oven and serve immediately while warm, perfect for pairing with dips or as a wrap for your favorite fillings. For an excellent match, enjoy your pitas with kebabs!
12
If you plan to serve the pitas later, brush them lightly with olive oil and reheat them briefly in a frying pan to restore their softness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Greek Pita Bread?
Authentic Greek Pita Bread is a soft, fluffy flatbread made from simple ingredients, perfect for wraps, dips, and Mediterranean dishes.
What type of flour is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 500g of strong white bread flour to achieve the best texture.
How much yeast do I need?
You will need 7g of powdered yeast for this pita bread recipe.
Is this Greek pita bread recipe vegan?
Yes, the ingredients—flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil—are all plant-based.
What is the first step in making the dough?
Combine the strong white bread flour, salt, and powdered yeast in a large mixing bowl and mix well.
How much water should I add to the dough?
Gradually stir in 300ml of warm water.
Why is olive oil used in the dough?
Olive oil adds flavor and helps keep the dough moist; the recipe uses 2 tablespoons.
How long should I knead the pita dough?
Knead the dough for approximately five minutes on a floured surface until it is smooth and springy.
What should I do if the pita dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky during kneading, dust it with additional flour as needed.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough should rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
How should I prepare the bowl for the dough rise?
Lightly brush the surface of the dough ball with olive oil and cover the bowl with a clean cloth.
What do I do after the dough has doubled in size?
Punch the dough down gently to deflate it and divide it into six equal portions.
How many pitas does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to produce 6 servings or individual pita breads.
Do the divided dough portions need to rest?
Yes, after shaping the portions into balls, cover them and let them rest for an additional 10 minutes.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 240°C (475°F).
Can I use a baking stone for Greek pita?
Yes, if you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat up during the preheating phase.
How thin should I roll out the pita dough?
Roll each ball into a flat round shape approximately 3 mm (1/8 inch) thick.
What is the recommended diameter for each pita?
The pitas should be rolled out to about 17 cm (7 inches) in diameter.
Do the rolled-out flatbreads need a final rest?
Yes, place them on baking sheets, cover with a towel, and allow them to rest for 30 minutes.
How do I prepare the pitas just before putting them in the oven?
Lightly spray the tops of the pitas with water to create steam during baking.
How long do the pitas take to bake?
Bake the pitas for 2 minutes, then check them; they may need an additional 1-2 minutes.
How do I know when the pitas are finished baking?
The pitas should be firm to the touch but not browned.
How should I serve the pita bread?
Serve them immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
What are some recommended pairings for Greek pita?
They are perfect for pairing with dips, fillings, or specifically with kebabs.
Can I add herbs to the pita bread?
Yes, you can add aromatic herbs such as oregano or coriander to the dough for extra flavor.
How can I reheat leftover pita bread?
Brush them lightly with olive oil and reheat them briefly in a frying pan to restore softness.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt mixed into the flour.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Yeast Breads.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pita bread, greek cuisine, homemade, flatbread, mediterranean, yeast bread, vegan, and herbed bread.
Can I use these pitas for wraps?
Absolutely, these soft and versatile flatbreads are specifically designed to be used for wraps.