Savory Onion & Thyme Pita Bread
This Savory Onion & Thyme Pita Bread combines the earthy flavors of finely diced onions, aromatic thyme, and a touch of sweetness from sugar, resulting in a delightful twist on traditional Egyptian bread. After experimenting with various recipes, I've crafted a version that aims to achieve a perfect balance between flavor and texture, all while maintaining a delightful chew. The rich aroma of roasted onions fills your kitchen as these pitas bake to a light golden brown. Perfect for enjoying with dips, sandwiches, or on their own, these pitas will elevate your meal. I'd love to hear your feedback on any modifications or enhancements you make!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry yeast
2 teaspoons (activated in warm water)
warm water
1 cup (used to activate yeast)
salt
1 teaspoon (sifted with flour)
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (sifted with flour)
thyme
1/2 teaspoon (sifted with flour)
sugar
3 tablespoons (sifted with flour)
all-purpose flour
3 cups (sifted)
eggs
2 large (beaten before adding to dough)
onion
1 large (finely diced and sautéed)
sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (sprinkled on top before baking)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, dissolve the dry yeast in 1 cup of warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2
In a separate large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt, onion powder, thyme, and sugar until well combined.
3
Gradually mix the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Incorporate the eggs into the dough and knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4
In a skillet over medium heat, lightly sauté the finely diced onion until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before adding to the dough.
5
Fold the sautéed onions into the dough and knead until evenly distributed.
6
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and place it in a warm spot to rise for 3 hours or until doubled in size.
7
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an ungreased baking sheet.
8
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball.
9
Using your hands or a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a 5-inch circle, about 1/2-inch thick, and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
10
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of each pita for added texture and flavor.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the pitas are light golden brown and puffed up. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Onion & Thyme Pita Bread?
It is a flavorful twist on traditional Egyptian bread that incorporates finely diced onions, aromatic thyme, and a touch of sweetness from sugar.
How many pitas does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 equal portions of 5-inch pita breads.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough needs to rise for approximately 3 hours or until it has doubled in size.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
How long should I bake the pita bread?
Bake the pitas for 10-12 minutes or until they are light golden brown and puffed up.
What ingredients are used to flavor the bread?
The primary flavorings are finely diced sautéed onions, onion powder, thyme, and sugar.
Do I need to activate the yeast?
Yes, dissolve the dry yeast in 1 cup of warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy before mixing.
What type of flour is required?
This recipe calls for 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onion should be finely diced and sautéed in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
What toppings are added to the pita?
Sesame seeds are sprinkled on top of each pita before baking for added texture and flavor.
How long should I knead the dough?
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Should I grease the baking sheet?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased baking sheet.
How thick should the pita circles be?
Each dough ball should be flattened into a 5-inch circle that is approximately 1/2-inch thick.
What is the purpose of adding eggs to the dough?
The eggs are incorporated to help achieve a rich flavor and a delightful chewy texture.
Can I use a rolling pin to shape the bread?
Yes, you can use either your hands or a rolling pin to flatten the dough portions.
Does this recipe include sugar?
Yes, the recipe uses 3 tablespoons of sugar to add a touch of sweetness.
How should the pitas be cooled?
After removing them from the oven, let the pitas cool on a wire rack.
When do I add the sautéed onions to the dough?
Fold the onions into the dough after the initial kneading process and continue kneading until they are evenly distributed.
What dry ingredients are sifted together?
Sift together the flour, salt, onion powder, thyme, and sugar.
Is this bread suitable for sandwiches?
Yes, it is described as perfect for enjoying with dips, sandwiches, or on its own.
What texture should the final pita have?
The recipe aims for a perfect balance between flavor and texture with a delightful chew.
How much yeast is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of dry yeast.
What color should the pitas be when they are done?
They should be baked until they are a light golden brown color.
Do I need to punch down the dough?
Yes, once the dough has risen, punch it down gently before dividing it into portions.
Can I use fresh thyme?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of thyme sifted with dry ingredients, but fresh thyme can be used as an enhancement.
Is this a sourdough recipe?
While tagged with sourdough, the instructions specifically use dry yeast for leavening.
What is the origin inspiration for this recipe?
It is inspired by traditional Egyptian bread styles.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 large eggs.
Can I use different seeds for the topping?
While the recipe calls for sesame seeds, you can modify it with other seeds to your preference.
What should I do if the dough doesn't rise?
Ensure the yeast was frothy and that the dough is placed in a warm spot covered with a damp cloth.