How to Make Greek Flat Bread (Pita)

Flat Bread (Pita) is simple to make as it requires few ingredients or expensive pieces of equipment. This recipe has been in my family for a number of years and it is used to make pita chips which are, simply, triangles of pita bread baked in a hot oven. These can be served as appetizers using different types of dips and salsas. Have fun and enjoy!!!!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two (2) large greased cookie sheets
• Rolling pin
• Glass measuring cup
• Measuring cups and spoons for other ingredients
• Thermometer
• 2 pkgs. active dry yeast
• 2 cups warm water (approx. 100)
• 6 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup light olive oil

1. Dissolve the yeast in warm water.

2. Place flour, oil and salt in large bowl of mixer.

3. Add yeast mixture and mix ingredients to combine.

4. Knead dough with dough hook for 8-10 minutes until dough feels smooth and elastic.

5. Form dough into ball into large greased bowl and cover with linen cloth or large dish towel.

6. Let dough rise in warm, draft free place for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until doubled in volume.

7. Punch dough down and let it rest for 10 minutes.

8. Cut dough into 8 equal pieces and roll, with rolling pin, into 8 inch circles.

9. Place circles of dough onto the two greased baking sheets, cover, and let rise for 30-40 minutes.

10. In a 500* oven, place baking sheets on separate racks and bake for 8-10 minutes or until they are light brown and puffed up.

11. Cool completely on wire racks.

Tips & Warnings

• A warm place to rise dough is in a cool oven with only a pilot light on the stove or on top of a refrigerator (warm air rises)
• Do not open oven often as you will lose too much heat to bake the bread.
• Do not overbake.
• Bread should be golden brown.

[only1special1]

on 3/3/2008 I love pita bread so I will have to try this recipe!