Authentic Greek Pita Bread Recipe
When it comes to Greek cuisine, few things evoke the flavors and memories of Greece like a warm, freshly baked pita bread. This staple is not only essential for wrapping souvlaki, but it also serves as the perfect accompaniment to dips like tzatziki or hummus. Today, we’re diving into a simple, yet authentic, Greek pita bread recipe.
Why Make Pita Bread at Home?
Homemade pita bread offers a unique, fresh taste that store-bought versions just can’t replicate. The soft, fluffy texture with a hint of crispness, combined with that irresistible aroma, is worth every minute of preparation. Plus, making pita at home gives you full control over the ingredients, ensuring you can enjoy it without preservatives or added chemicals.
Ingredients:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 10g salt
- 10g sugar
- 1 packet (7g) dry yeast
- 200ml warm water
- 100ml milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Extra flour for dusting
Tips for Perfect Pita Bread:
- High-Quality Flour: The better the flour, the better the pita. Look for strong bread flour or high-protein all-purpose flour for the best texture.
- Warm Water: Make sure the water is warm (but not too hot) to activate the yeast properly. It should be about 100-110°F (37-43°C).
- Resting Time: Don’t rush the dough. Letting it rise properly helps achieve that pillowy texture.
Why This Recipe Works
This pita bread recipe yields a pita that’s light, airy, and packed with flavor. By following these steps, you’ll bring a taste of Greece into your kitchen, ensuring every meal feels like a Mediterranean getaway.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re serving it with your favorite dips or using it to wrap a gyro or souvlaki, this homemade Greek pita bread will elevate your meal. Once you try it, you’ll never want to settle for store-bought again. It’s a timeless recipe that connects you to the heart of Greek cooking, with every bite.
If you enjoyed making this recipe, be sure to explore more Greek-inspired dishes on the GreekFoodAlchemist blog, where we bring traditional recipes into the modern kitchen.
Happy cooking!
Ingredients
Instructions
In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. In a separate small bowl, activate the yeast by mixing it with warm water and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until frothy. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture, the milk and stir until the dough starts to come together.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a bit more flour as you knead.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten each ball into a circle about 6 inches in diameter.
Preheat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place one pita at a time in the hot pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown spots form. You should see the pita puffing up as it cooks! Once cooked, you can brush them with a bit of olive oil if you wish.
Enjoy the pitas fresh out of the pan, warm and fluffy! Serve them with your favorite Greek dishes like souvlaki, tzatziki, or a simple Greek salad. Or, simply dip them in olive oil and herbs for a snack.
