How to make Greek pita bread
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
8 mins
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Additional Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 18 mins
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Servings
8 pita breads
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Calories
182 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
Greek
How to make Greek pita bread
Description
This Greek pita bread recipe starts with an active dry yeast mixture combined with sugar, water, milk, and olive oil to form a leavened dough. The dough includes all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and fresh thyme, which infuses the bread with subtle herbal flavor. After kneading until smooth, the dough rests and rises until doubled in size.
The risen dough is divided into eight equal portions, each gently stretched into thin rounds roughly 7 to 8 inches in diameter. Cooking is done on a cast iron pan over high heat, lightly oiled, to quickly puff the pitas and induce slight browning on both sides. This method yields soft pita bread with a pleasant chew and a light herbal aroma from the thyme.
Greek pitas are versatile and can be used to hold fillings or accompany salads and dips. Alternatives to thyme include other fresh or dried herbs like oregano or sage based on availability. For variation, the breads can be grilled, brushed with olive oil, instead of pan-cooked, adding a smoky flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon thyme finely chopped, fresh leaves
For the yeast mixture
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup water at room temperature
- 1/4 cup milk at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
You will also need
- extra virgin olive oil for the bowl and for cooking
- all-purpose flour for surface
Instructions
- Combine the sugar, yeast, water, and milk in a bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes until the mixture starts to foam.
- Combine the flour, salt, and thyme leaves in a large bowl.
- Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir well.Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour mix.
- Transfer the dough mix to a lightly floured working surface. Knead for 4-5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth.
- Brush a bowl with some oil and add the dough. Cover with a damp towel and let it rest for 40 minutes to an hour, until it rises and doubles in size.
- Cut dough into 8 equal-sized pieces.
- With your hands, gently stretch each piece of dough to a circle about 7-8 inches wide.
- Place a cast iron pan over high heat. Add 1 tsp olive oil.
- Cook each pita bread for 1 minute on each side in the pan, until it puffs up a little and starts browning. Add some olive oil to the pan after cooking 1-2 pitas.Enjoy!
Notes
- If fresh thyme is unavailable, fresh oregano or sage are suitable substitutes; dried herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning also work.
- For grilling, brush pitas lightly with olive oil and cook on each side for about a minute until puffed.
- The nutritional information is an estimate and varies with ingredient brands and quantities.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8pita breads
Amount Per Serving
Calories 182 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 182kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 296mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 62mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 24IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 17mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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