Prepare Basil-Infused Oil: Combine the dry basil with olive oil and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Activate Yeast: Dissolve the yeast and sugar in hot water, stirring well until the yeast is activated and foamy.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix in the salt.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the basil-infused olive oil and yeast mixture into the flour. Stir with a spoon until all ingredients are well combined and form a dough.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough by hand for 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot. Allow it to rise for 45 minutes or until it doubles in size.
Divide the Dough: After the dough has risen, divide it into 10 equal parts and shape each part into a ball.
Roll Out: Roll out each ball thinly using a rolling pin to form individual pita breads.
Cook the Pitas: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook each rolled-out pita for 2-2.5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown spots form.
Steam the Pitas: Brush each cooked pita with hot water and immediately cover them with a clean towel to steam, making them soft and pliable.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with your favorite hummus or tzatziki dip.
Use them as a base for gyros or shawarma wraps.
Pair with soups or stews for a hearty side.
Enjoy with grilled vegetables and falafel for a vegan-friendly meal.
Use as a base for mini pita pizzas with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Tips:
For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some garlic powder or oregano into the dough.
Ensure the skillet is properly heated to achieve the perfect golden brown spots.
Brush the pita lightly with olive oil before cooking for an additional layer of crispiness.
Use whole wheat flour for a healthier, fiber-rich version.
Roll the dough thin for crispier pitas or thicker for softer, fluffier ones.
Nutritional Benefits:
Olive oil provides healthy fats, which are good for heart health.
Basil adds antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to the bread.
Yeast and the long fermentation process make the bread easier to digest.
The combination of ingredients offers a great source of complex carbohydrates for energy.
Homemade pita allows control over salt and oil content, making it healthier than store-bought versions.
Dietary Information:
Vegan
Nut-Free
Dairy-Free
Soy-Free
Nutritional Facts (per pita, estimated):
Calories: 160 kcal
Protein: 4g
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 200mg
Storage:
Refrigeration: Store leftover pita bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked pita breads by placing parchment paper between each pita to prevent sticking, and store in a zip-lock bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes, or in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, to restore softness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple and takes only a few minutes to prepare.
Flavorful and Aromatic: The basil-infused olive oil adds a delicious, fragrant touch to the dough.
Soft and Chewy: Steaming the pita makes it perfectly soft and pliable, great for wraps or dipping.
Homemade and Fresh: Freshly made pita bread is far superior to store-bought, both in flavor and texture.
Versatile: These pitas can be used for wraps, dips, or as a side for soups and salads.
Conclusion:
Making your own Incredibly Tasty Pita Bread at home is a rewarding and delicious experience. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create soft, chewy pita bread infused with the fragrant aroma of basil and olive oil. Perfect for wraps, dipping, or as a side, this pita bread will elevate any meal. Once you try this easy recipe, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought pita again!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but you may need to add a little more water to keep the dough soft.
Can I bake the pita instead of cooking it in a skillet?
Yes, you can bake the pita bread in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for about 5-7 minutes until they puff up and become golden brown.
Why is my pita not puffing up?
If your pita isn’t puffing up, it might be because the dough wasn’t rolled thin enough, or the skillet wasn’t hot enough.
How can I make the pita gluten-free?
Substitute a gluten-free flour blend, but note that the texture may be slightly different. Add xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it.
Can I flavor the dough with other herbs?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other herbs like oregano, rosemary, or even garlic for different flavor profiles.
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