Description
This Greek Pita Bread recipe yields soft, thick, and delicious pita breads perfect for dipping, filling, or accompanying Greek dishes. Made with simple ingredients, the dough is kneaded, allowed to rise, then pan-fried to golden perfection for a warm and fluffy result.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 12.3 ounces (350 grams) all-purpose flour
- 8.4 ounces (250 grams) lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Cooking
- Olive oil (for frying, as needed)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Knead: Pour in the lukewarm water and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Knead the dough by hand, with an electric mixer fitted with dough hooks, or a stand mixer at medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until a slightly sticky dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a kitchen cloth and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Divide and Shape: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 6 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball gently into a circle about 6 inches in diameter.
- Heat Skillet and Cook: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place one pita in the skillet. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until golden as well.
- Repeat Cooking: Repeat the frying process with the remaining dough balls, adding oil as needed.
- Keep Warm and Serve: Stack the cooked pitas and cover them with a clean tea towel to keep warm and soft. Serve immediately or with your favorite Greek dishes.
Notes
- The dough will be slightly sticky, which is normal for this recipe.
- Use lukewarm water to activate the yeast properly.
- Cook the pita on medium heat to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
- Covering the cooked pitas helps retain their softness and warmth.
- These pitas can be stored wrapped in foil after cooling and reheated by lightly toasting on a pan.
