Pita bread is one of the most popular types of flatbread in the Middle East. It’s also known as pocket bread or pita. It has been around for centuries, and is often referred to as the “bread of the poor”.
What is Pita Bread?
Pita bread is a flatbread made from flour, water and yeast. The dough is then kneaded and rolled out into thin disks. These disks are then baked on a hot stone or griddle until they puff up. This makes the bread light and airy, which is what gives it its name.
The first recorded mention of pita bread was in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians called it ‘baker’s bread’. The Greeks called it ‘baker’s pie’ and the Romans called it ‘baker’s cake’.
How did the pita bread get its name?
There are several different stories about how the pita got its name. One story says that it got its name because it resembles the shape of a ‘pocket’.
Another story claims that it got its name because the first time it was seen was when the prophet Mohammed had just finished saying his prayers. He saw the bread and thought it looked like a ‘pocket’ so he ordered his followers to call it pita bread.
Another story says that it got its Arabic name because the people of the Middle East used to eat pita bread with their meals. They would put their hands in their pockets, and eat the bread with their fingers.
How to make Pita Bread
Making pita bread is simple. All you need is flour, water and yeast. You will also need some salt and oil. The flour can be bought at your local grocery store, or you can buy it online. You will also need to have a kitchen scale.
Mix the yeast and the salt together in a bowl. Add a little bit of water to the yeast mixture. Add the rest of the water to the flour and mix well.
Click Here To Start Making Your Own Pita Bread
Put the mixture onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. If the dough seems too sticky, add more flour.
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and roll each part into a ball. Roll the balls out into disks. You will want to use a rolling pin, or a pizza cutter to cut them into disks.
Heat up a frying pan or griddle on medium heat. Once the pan is hot, lay down one disk of dough and press it down with your hand. Use a fork to make holes in the dough. Fry the bread for a few minutes until the bread begins to puff up.
Remove the bread from the pan and place it on a cooling rack. Repeat this process until all of the bread is cooked. Serve with your favorite dip.
