Ulog 115: Making Homemade Pita Bread

I've always wanted to try and make my own pita bread, and after visiting a roadside Mexican food truck one day recently, I was pushed to attempt this new skill and feat.

One day while out scouting out garage sales and a flea market we came across this food truck almost literally in the middle of nowhere. There was quite a line-up of people, and this got us wondering just how good the food was. So we pulled over and got in live.

We waited over an hour in line JUST to place our order.

I wish I had taken pictures but my phone was in the truck... maybe next time.

I ordered a steak pita and Mr Golden D ordered a burrito; and a torta for later.

OMGosh! To say this food was incredible is an understatement!

Well I fell in love with the soft, fresh pita bread they used for my food and I knew this was the inspiration to get me motivated to make my own.

And here they are!

So let's get on with how I made them!

Recipe

• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (90 to 100 degrees F/32 to 38 degrees C)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Whisk these first three ingredients into the bowl of your countertop mixer; using the hook attechment. Then let sit for about 20 minutes until a foamy batter develops.

• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, or more as needed
• 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided

Add in these four ingredients and mix until dough pulls away from bowl (about 5 minutes)

Turn dough out onto a floured work surface and form into a ball.
Coat bowl with olive oil, place dough ball into bowl, liberally coat ball with olive oil then cover bowl with foil and let sit until dough has doubled in size- 2 hours
Remove ball from bowl and gently pat dough down, using hands, until it's about 1/4 inch in thickness. Cut into 8 equal size pieces
Form each piece into a small round ball with a smooth top, pulling dough from the sides and tucking the ends underneath the bottom then place on wax paper for another 30 minutes to allow to rise again.

Using hand, NOT a rolling pin, form balls into flat circle- about 1/4 inch. Brush pan with olive oil (and do this after each pita bread is fried up). Heat pan on medium to high heat. Once desired temperature is set, place each hand-rolled out bread into pan.

Leave room for each bread to have space to cook- do NOT over-crowd.

Cook on first side about 3 minutes, or until browning effect occurs. Flip bread over and cook on second side for another 2-3 minutes.

Serve warm!