Pita

(Middle Eastern pocket bread)

Yield: 6 pita breads

Basic Steps: Proof → Mix → Knead → Rise → Portion → Rise → Bake

In a small bowl mix together the 1/4 cup of warm water, yeast and sugar. Set aside until yeast is proofed and foamy, about 10 minutes.
Pour the yeast mixture into a large bowl and add the flour, olive oil and salt. With a wooden spoon mix in about 1/2 cup of the remaining water until a stiff dough is formed. Add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until an elastic and kneadable dough is formed. Remove to a floured work surface and knead by hand for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
Wipe a large bowl with a little olive oil, add the dough and cover with plastic. Set in a warm place and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Punch down the dough with a fist and knead briefly. Cut the dough into 6 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Place the dough balls on a cookie sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled again, another 20-30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 450°F. Roll out each ball into a 6-7" round, taking care not to pierce the dough surface (or the pita won't puff).
Place the rounds on a cookie sheet, brush each generously with olive oil and bake for about 5-8 minutes, or until the tops begin to brown and the pitas puff up.

Try a mixture of whole-wheat and white flour, or use all whole wheat. You may have to increase the amount of water a little.
Brush the pita rounds with water and sprinkle with sesame seeds or zattar spices right before you pop them in the oven if you like.
The pitas are even better when baked on a preheated baking or pizza stone. Skip the baking sheet and throw the dough rounds right onto the hot stone.

Pita bread is common throughout the eastern Mediterranean. Versions of pita can be found from Northern Africa to as far east as India. This simple flatbread's popularity is said to have been spread by the conquering army of Alexander the Great.
Called pita or pitta in Greece and many countries of the Levant, it is also known as khoubz araby, or Arab bread. The Turks call it pide. The Egyptian name is aish.
Pita can be cut in two and stuffed with falafel or souvlaki. Or it can be folded around shawarma.
Cut into triangles or tear off pieces and use it to scoop up baba ghanoush or hummus.