How to Use Pita Bread
Pita is an ancient, versatile flat bread originating in the Middle East, traditionally baked in stone or brick ovens. Oval or round of varying sizes, slightly leavened, the bread can be stuffed, wrapped, dipped, torn and topped. Pita can be made from white or whole grain flours and is found in flavored varieties as well. The uses for pita bread are limited only by the imagination. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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The pockets in pita bread hold sandwich fillings. Stuff the pita bread with sandwich filling. Gently warm the pita over a gas flame, or wrap in foil and place in a 200°F oven for several minutes. Slice the pita in half and gently separate the layers to open a pocket. Fill the pita pocket with your favorite fillings such as lettuce, shredded carrots, cheese, meat or fish. A popular filling is a spread of crushed chickpeas blended with yogurt and herbs. Once filled, pita becomes soggy quickly. So, stuff the bread just before eating.
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Pita can be used to wrap sandwich fillings. Pita can wrap any sandwich filling, but lends itself especially well to grilled foods. A souvlaki is a traditional Greek sandwich of pita bread wrapped around grilled lamb with lemon juice and herbs. A vegetarian version can be made from marinating mushrooms, eggplant, green pepper, onion and pineapple in olive oil, balsamic vinegar and oregano. Skewer and grill the vegetables, then wrap them with the pita, warmed on the grill.
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Pita bread can be made into chips for dips. Transform pita bread into pita chips. The chips make delicious scoops for any dip. Cut individual pitas into four wedges. Stack to cut, or use cooking sheers to cut two at a time. Combine butter or oil with cumin and seasonings of your choice. Brush the rough side of the pita wedges with the oil. Spread on an ungreased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes or until chips are golden brown and crisp.
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Combined with tomatoes, pita bread becomes a salad ingredient. Pita is an ideal bread for bread salad; it's most commonly used in a bread salad called fattoush. Tear the pita into chunks and toss with lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, parsley, cucumber and a dressing of olive oil, garlic, red wine vinegar and mint. Toss in some feta cheese and walnuts or pine nuts if you desire.
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Pita bread can serve as a pizza crust. Pita bread makes a convenient crust for quick pizzas. Place the pita on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for five minutes or so at 300° to crisp the pita. Remove from the oven and top with toppings such as pesto, onion, thinly sliced tomato, olives, mushrooms and sesame seeds. Return to the oven and bake for ten more minutes.
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Tips & Warnings
Be creative using pita; it's a versatile bread.
References
Resources
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