Got the baking itch again yesterday so as I had some hummus to be used up, decided to try making some pitta bread. Making the dough is a dead easy process.
- 300ml warm water
- 2 tsp fast action yeast
- 500g strong flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
I whacked the yeast and water in a bowl to let the yeast activate and become a little bubbly, then shoved everything else in and mixed until combined. I then tipped onto the counter and kneaded for about 8 minutes until nice and elastic. Lob in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel and leave to double in size. I left for an hour as per the recipe but to be honest it looked to be ready in about 40 minutes.
The above was enough for 8 but I think I may stretch for 10 next time.
I tried forming my breads by both hand and rolling pin and it turns out I need some practice with what should be a simple step. The secret is apparently to not use too much flour through the kneading and forming process; I tried but think I failed! I had some big and thin, some small and thick and I really needed something in the middle.
I leaned that elastic dough is pretty much going to do its own thing. You think you've got it perfect and it'll be completely different if you leave it more than a minute or try to move it! The recipe suggests 20 cm long, 15 cm wide and about 5mm thick.
The formed dough goes into an over preheated to its hottest temp with a backing tray; I think ours is 230/240. Once warmed up, work quickly to remove the backing tray, sprinkle with flour, add a few chunks of formed pitta dough and then lob back in the oven as quickly as possible. They should puff up, most of mine only puffed around the edges, and should be done within 4 to 5 mins. They should be lightly golden.
I had a proper mixed bag really!
Still delicious though and much nicer than those I've bought from the shops. These came out a bit more doughy and were more like the breads served with gyros in Greece. On that basis I assume they're a bit more authentic. Saying that pitta's can be grabbed all over the world so who knows what the shop bought items are based on!
I think a good one for those new to baking to try as the seem to turn out nice even if you bugger them up!