Saudi Arabian Pita Bread
Saudi Arabian Pita Bread Recipe - Ingredients and Directions
Introduction
Pita bread is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, including Saudi Arabian cuisine. It is a versatile bread that can be used to scoop up dips, wrap around meats and vegetables, or simply enjoyed on its own. In this recipe, we will show you how to make delicious Saudi Arabian Pita Bread at home.
History
Pita bread has been a part of Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in ancient Mesopotamia, where it was cooked on hot stones. The word "pita" actually means "pie" or "cake" in Greek, reflecting the round shape of the bread. Over time, pita bread spread throughout the Middle East and beyond, becoming a popular choice for sandwiches and wraps.
Ingredients
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 3.75 cups of flour
- 0.25 cup of shortening
- 1.5 tsp of salt
- 1.25 cups of warm water
How to prepare
- In a large mixer bowl, soften the yeast in warm water.
- Add 2 cups of flour, shortening, and salt.
- Beat at low speed of an electric mixer for 0.5 minutes, scraping the bowl.
- Beat for 3 minutes at high speed.
- Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can mix in with a spoon.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface.
- Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough that is smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes).
- Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for about 15 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.
- Roll each portion between floured hands into a very smooth ball.
- Cover the balls with a damp cloth and let them rest for 10 minutes.
- Using your fingers, gently flatten the balls.
- Cover the flattened dough and let it rest for another 10 minutes. (Keep the dough pieces covered until ready to use.)
- On a well-floured surface, lightly roll one piece of dough at a time into a circle with a diameter of 7 inches, turning the dough over once.
- Do not stretch, puncture, or crease the dough. Work with enough flour so that the dough does not stick.
- Place the rolled dough on a baking sheet. Bake the rounds, 2 at a time, in a 450°F (232°C) oven for about 3 minutes or until the dough is puffed and softly set.
- Turn the rounds over with a spatula and bake for about 2 more minutes, or until the dough is light brown.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough, baking one batch before rolling the next batch.
- To serve, slice the bread crosswise and fill the pocket with the desired filling. This recipe makes 12 rounds.
Variations
- Add herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor.
- Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Brush the pita bread with olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds before baking for a crunchy topping.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to let the dough rest and rise properly to ensure a light and fluffy pita bread.
- Use a hot oven to quickly cook the pita bread and create the signature pocket.
- Keep the dough covered while working with it to prevent it from drying out.
- Experiment with different fillings and toppings to create unique flavor combinations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Saudi Arabian Pita Bread with hummus, falafel, grilled meats, or fresh vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Techniques
Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to create a light and fluffy pita bread.
- Roll out the dough evenly to ensure that the pita bread cooks evenly and puffs up in the oven.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use olive oil instead of shortening for a healthier option.
- If you don't have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough for Saudi Arabian Pita Bread ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply let it come to room temperature before rolling out and baking.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Saudi Arabian Pita Bread on a platter with a variety of dips and fillings for a colorful and appetizing spread.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Saudi Arabian Pita Bread with traditional Middle Eastern dishes such as tabbouleh, kebabs, or shawarma for a complete and authentic meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover pita bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the pita bread in foil and warm in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Saudi Arabian Pita Bread contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Saudi Arabian Pita Bread contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Saudi Arabian Pita Bread contains approximately 5 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Saudi Arabian Pita Bread contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Pita bread is a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
Alergens
This recipe contains wheat flour and may not be suitable for individuals with gluten allergies.
Summary
Saudi Arabian Pita Bread is a delicious and versatile bread that is relatively low in calories and fats. It is a good source of carbohydrates and proteins, making it a satisfying option for a meal or snack.
Summary
Saudi Arabian Pita Bread is a delicious and versatile bread that is easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy fresh and flavorful pita bread whenever you like. Serve it with your favorite fillings and toppings for a satisfying meal or snack.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Saudi Arabian Pita Bread. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a handwritten note fell out and landed on the kitchen counter. Curious, I picked it up and read the words scrawled in elegant cursive script: "Saudi Arabian Pita Bread - a family recipe passed down for generations."
Intrigued, I sat down at the table and began reading through the recipe. It was simple, yet detailed, and I could almost smell the warm, yeasty aroma of freshly baked bread as I read the ingredients and instructions. I knew immediately that I had to try making it myself.
I had always been fascinated by different cuisines from around the world, and Middle Eastern cuisine was no exception. The flavors, the spices, the textures - they all spoke to my love of cooking and experimenting in the kitchen. And so, armed with the recipe for Saudi Arabian Pita Bread, I set out to learn how to make it.
I began by gathering the ingredients - flour, water, yeast, salt, and a touch of olive oil. The simplicity of the ingredients belied the complexity of the finished product, but I was undaunted. I mixed the flour and yeast together in a large bowl, adding the water slowly until a dough formed. Kneading the dough was always my favorite part of baking bread - the feel of the soft, elastic dough under my hands was almost therapeutic.
As the dough rose, I thought back to my own grandmother and the recipes she had passed down to me. She had been a wonderful cook, and I had spent many hours in her kitchen, learning the secrets of her delicious dishes. I remembered the smell of her spice cabinet, the sound of her laughter as we cooked together, and the taste of her homemade bread fresh from the oven. I hoped that one day, my own grandchildren would look back on our time in the kitchen with the same fond memories.
When the dough had doubled in size, I divided it into small balls and rolled them out into flat circles. I preheated a cast iron skillet on the stove, and when it was hot, I carefully placed a pita bread on the surface. I watched in awe as the bread puffed up, creating a pocket perfect for filling with all sorts of delicious things. I flipped the bread over, cooking it until it was golden brown and slightly charred in spots.
The smell that filled my kitchen was heavenly - warm, yeasty, and slightly nutty from the olive oil. I couldn't resist tearing off a piece of the pita bread and tasting it straight from the skillet. The texture was perfect - soft and chewy, with just the right amount of elasticity. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of the culinary journey that had brought me to this moment.
As I sat down to enjoy my freshly baked pita bread, I thought about the people and places that had influenced my cooking over the years. From my grandmother's kitchen to the handwritten note in the old cookbook, each recipe I had learned had a story to tell. And now, the recipe for Saudi Arabian Pita Bread had become a part of my own culinary narrative, a link to a distant land and a rich culinary tradition.
I savored each bite of the warm, pillowy bread, thinking about the generations of cooks who had come before me, passing down their knowledge and love through the simple act of sharing a meal. I knew that I would continue to learn and grow in the kitchen, exploring new flavors and techniques, but this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart.
As I finished my meal, I made a mental note to write down the recipe for Saudi Arabian Pita Bread in my own handwriting, so that one day my grandchildren could discover it in their own kitchens. And as I washed the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen, I felt grateful for the gift of cooking and the joy it had brought into my life. The recipe for Saudi Arabian Pita Bread was more than just a list of ingredients and steps - it was a connection to my past, my present, and my future as a cook. And for that, I was truly thankful.