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Pita Bread

Reggie Dwork <reggie@jeff-and-reggie.com>
Sat, 09 Mar 2024 22:09:23 -0800
v124.n006.3
* Exported from MasterCook *

                               Bread, Pita 2

Recipe By     :Bee Yinn Low / Sophie Godwin
Serving Size  : 8     Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Bread                           Bread-Bakers Mailing List
                 Posted

   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   2          teaspoons  active dry yeast -- 6g
   1 1/2           cups  warm water -- 300ml
   500            grams  bread flour -- 4C
   2          teaspoons  salt -- 12g
   1         tablespoon  olive oil -- 13g

Add active dry yeast to the warm water and stir well. Allow the 
mixture to sit for 5 minutes until bubbles appear.

Combine bread flour, salt, and olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Stir 
in the activated yeast mixture water, and incorporate all ingredients 
into a rough dough.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface, and knead it for 5 to 10 
minutes until it becomes smooth and more elastic. Try to use as 
little extra flour as possible to keep the pitas light and airy. 
Place the dough in a bowl lightly greased with olive oil, cover with 
a tea towel and let it rise until doubles in size, which should take 
approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface and divide 
it evenly into eight equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round and 
then roll it into an oval about 3-5 mm (1/10 - 1/4 inch) thick and 
20cm (8 inch) long by 15cm (6 inch) wide.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 230C (446F) with a baking tray inside. 
Carefully remove the hot baking tray from the oven, dust it with 
flour, and place the pita bread directly onto it. (avoid crowding the 
pan; bake the bread in batches if necessary).

Returning the baking tray to the oven and bake for 5 to 6 minutes, or 
until the pita bread is golden brown and puffed up. Enjoy the freshly 
baked pita bread.

Tips:

When activating the yeast, use water that's around 110F (43C). Too 
hot water can kill the yeast, and too cold water won't activate it effectively.

Pita bread benefits from a high-temperature bake (around 230C or 
446F). The high heat helps the bread puff up and develop a nice 
pocket inside. Pita bread bakes quickly, usually in just 5 to 6 
minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-baking. They should 
be golden brown and slightly puffed when done.

When rolling out the dough, try not to over-roll it, as excessive 
rolling can result in a dense and tough pita. Aim for a thickness of 
around 3-5 mm.

Make sure there's enough space between the pitas on the baking tray. 
Crowding can hinder their ability to puff up properly.

Some bakers use a bit of steam during baking to encourage puffing. To 
create a steamy environment, you can mist the pitas with water just 
before placing them in the oven.

Original recipe is from the BBC. That version recommends baking at as 
high a temperature as possible - 250C (482F) or 230C (446F) 
convection for 4 to 5 minutes.

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/pitta-bread

Source:
   "Rasamalaysia / BBC"
S(Internet address):
   https://rasamalaysia.com/pita-bread/
                                     - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 244 Calories; 3g Fat (10.4% 
calories from fat); 8g Protein; 46g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary 
Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 536mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 3 Grain(Starch); 0 
Lean Meat; 1/2 Fat.

NOTES : 2024 - 0309