Pita: Everything You Need To Know

Pita Bread is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is used in a wide variety of dishes and tastes great on its own. Learn everything you need to know about this tasty bread below!

What is a Pita?

A pita is a type of bread, originating from the Middle East. It’s made out of a dough that is usually leavened with yeast, which gives it a light and airy texture. Pitas can be filled with anything your heart desires, from meats to vegetables. They’re also perfect for carrying around on the go, making them a popular choice for lunchtime meals.

What are the calories in a pita bread?

Pita bread is a low calorie, high fiber and low sugar food. There are 110 calories in a whole wheat pita bread. So it is a low calorie bread option. Which is why it is a great option for snacks or when you want something light and easy to eat.

Is a Pita bread Healthy?

Pita bread is a popular type of bread that is made from an unleavened dough that is filled with either falafel and vegetables, meat, or cheese. There are many different types of pita bread, including sweet and savory versions. Some people believe that pita bread is unhealthy because it contains a high amount of carbs. However, other people believe that pita bread is healthy because it contains fiber and nutrients. It is up to the individual to decide whether or not they think pita bread is healthy. And of course it the filling that can make the difference.

How to make a pita?

Can I make pita at home? Yes, of course. It’s common for store-bought pita to be a couple of days old. You’ll get a thrill when the pita puffs up in the oven when it’s warm, fragrant, and fresh. Once you get it, it’s really easy. Whole-wheat flour that’s freshly milled gives the best flavor. It makes a difference, even though it’s only a little.

Ingredients:

-2 teaspoons active dry yeast
-½ teaspoon sugar
-35 grams whole-wheat flour (¼ cup), preferably freshly milled
-310 grams unbleached all-purposed flour (2½ cups)
-1teaspoon kosher salt
-2 tablespoons olive oil

How to prepare:

1. In a large bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and whole-wheat flour.
2. Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt.
3. Mix well until the ingredients are combined.
4. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
5. Knead lightly until smooth, about 2 minutes. Rest for 10 min, then knead again.
6. Refrigerate dough in a large zippered plastic bag for several hours or overnight.
7. Clean the mixing bowl and put dough back in it. Putting plastic wrap on the bowl and a towel on top will keep it from drying out. Put the bowl somewhere warm. Wait an hour for the dough to double.
8. Divide the dough into 8 equal balls.
9. Make a flat disk with one ball (keeping the others covered). Dust with flour if necessary and roll them all into 6-inch circles, then 8 inches wide.
10. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C).
11. Line them on a baking sheet with parchment paper and place them in the hot oven.
12.The dough should puff up after 2 minutes. Flip it over and bake for another minute.

Cool on the baking sheet or eat/ fill them hot.

How to make Pita Chips

There are many ways to make pita chips, but the most common way is to bake homemade or packet pitas in the oven.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Oil or butter your pitas evenly.
3. Cut each pita into eight even pieces and then spread each piece of pita on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Season them as you like. We prefer onion and garlic powder.
5. Bake for 10 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before eating them or storing in an airtight container.

You can also make pita chips by deep-frying them. In a large pot filled with oil, heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Dip each piece of pita into the hot oil for about 30 seconds, or until lightly browned. Remove from the pot and place on a kitchen towel to absorb excess oil.

Homemade pita crackers with sesame seeds

-One batch of homemade dough (we used our recipe) or store-bought dough
-Pinch of salt
-Extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
-Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Before starting, let the dough come to room temperature so that it’s easier to work with.

1. Cut out 2 circles out of the dough and place on a floured surface.
2. Stretch each circle into a thin sheet by pressing down with your hands.
3. Be sure not to overwork the dough or it will be tough.
4. With a bread knife, cut each sheet into 12 equal triangles.
5. Gently press each triangle down with your fingers so that they are all slightly flattened.
6. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
7. Once hot, carefully add enough triangles to cover the bottom of the skillet in an even layer and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3 minutes per side.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds, if desired!

Greek pita vs. regular pita

What is the difference between a Greek pita and a regular pita?

A Greek pita is round, whereas a regular pita is more of an oblong shape. The dough for a Greek pita is also rolled out very thin, compared to the thicker dough used for regular pitas. Finally, the fillings in a Greek pita which are typically lager, are more pronounced than in a regular pita.

So which one is better? That depends on what you’re looking for. A Greek pita can be filled with lots of different things, from gyros to tzatziki sauce. If you want something that’s really special and unique, go for a Greek pita!

Ingredients:

-2 pounds gyros
-1/2 cucumber, sliced in thin strips
-1 cup tzatziki sauce
– 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
– 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to prepare a greek pita bread filled with gyros:

1. In a skillet, cook the gyros over medium-high heat until browned and just cooked through.
2. Remove the gyros from the pan and let cool slightly.
3. In a bowl, combine the gyros, cucumber, tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, feta cheese, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, and salt.
4. Mix well to combine.
5. Pour the mixture into a large pita bread pocket.
6. Close the pita bread pocket and gently press down so the filling is well-packed.
7. Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Place the greek pita pockets on the griddle or skillet and cook until charred on both sides and lightly browned, about 3 minutes per side.

Serve immediately with some extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.

Alternatives to the Traditional Pita

One popular alternative is the naan, which is essentially a flatbread made from a dough that is cooked on a hot griddle or in a skillet. You can top naan with just about anything, but some of our favorite combinations to bake them with include cottage cheese, onions, and potatoes.

Another great option for those who want something more substantial is the lavash bread. Lavash are made from flour, water, and salt, so they’re simple to make and don’t require any yeast. Once you have the dough mixture prepared, all you need to do is shape it into a sheet and then roll it out using either wet hands or an oiled cloth. Lavash can be filled with just about anything your heart desires—from tahini-based sauces to roasted vegetables—and they make fantastic portable snacks.

Finally, if you’re looking for something that approximates the texture and flavor of pita bread but doesn’t require any rolling or shaping whatsoever, we recommend trying out flatbread. Flatbread is unleavened, so it doesn’t require a rising time like traditional bread does, and you can simply brush it with an oil or cooking spray and bake it at a high temperature. However, flatbreads are generally not as sturdy as pita bread and don’t hold their shape as well, so they’re not ideal for anything that requires a lot of fillings.

Pita wraps

Pita wraps are a popular snack food made from pitas, usually wrapped in either a flour or corn tortilla. They can be filled with a variety of foods, including vegetables, meats, and even cheese. Pitas are also a great option for meal replacement bars or as part of an on-the-go lunchbox.

Here are four tips for making the perfect pita wrap:

1) Choose your filling wisely. The most common fillings for pita wraps include meat, vegetables, and cheese. Make sure to choose something that will fit well inside the wrap and doesn’t overpower the flavor of the pita itself.

2) Preheat your oven before assembling your pita wrap. This will help ensure that your ingredients cook evenly and don’t stick to the tortilla wrapper.

3) Use plenty of seasonings. Not only will this give your wrap a unique flavor profile, but it will also help to bring out the flavors in your ingredients. Try adding garlic powder, salt, or cumin to your mix before wrapping up your pitas!

4) Be creative! Pita wraps make for an versatile dish that can be tailored to suit any taste bud. Try serving them as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal or as an on-the-go snack option. There’s truly no wrong way to enjoy a pita wrap!

Conclusion

The pita bread is a versatile piece of bread that can be used for so many different purposes. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer, a side dish, or even a full meal, pita is sure to hit the spot. In this article, we have given you a look at all the things you need to know about pita bread and help to get started cooking up some delicious pita recipes. So what are you waiting for? Get yourself some perfect pitas and start enjoying them today!