Homemade Pita Bread

Homemade pita bread is one of life's most comforting delights. It's also remarkably easy to make at home and, believe me when I say that it doesn't even compare to the store-bought stuff. Good luck keeping these warm, fluffy pita breads around for any period of time! I tend to lose them as they come off the griddle but, if you can keep them from being immediately devoured, they make wonderful wraps or you can tear pieces off and mop up any number of delicious dips or sauces. Try these with our Spicy Shakshuka or some creamy hummus!

Ingredients:

3 1/4 cups All Purpose Flour
1 1/3 cups Water (lukewarm)
1 1/2 tsp Active Dry Yeast
3/4 tsp Kosher Salt
1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Directions:
In a bowl, mix yeast into warm water and set to side while the yeast activates (5-10 minutes, or until bubbly).
Add salt followed by flour and mix well until it starts to form a ball of dough. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead dough for 5-10 minutes, or until your dough is well mixed and smooth. Drizzle olive oil into a clean bowl and place the kneaded dough in the bowl, rolling the dough in the oil so it's fully coated and. then cover bowl with cling wrap or a damp tea towel. Let the dough rest or "proof" in a warm place for an hour or until it's doubled in size.

Once dough has fully proofed, heat a heavy bottomed skillet (I like to use a cast iron griddle) to a medium-high heat. turn dough out onto a floured surface and cut into six equal pieces. Gently pull and stretch each piece of dough into a pita shape-- You can roll the dough if you prefer. Place pita dough into dry skillet or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, allowing pita to color up to a nice golden brown. Repeat this step until all pita's are cooked and enjoy!