Serves: 5
Total Calories: 288
Yield: 8 Pitas

1 tablespoon (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3-4 cups white unbleached flour

1. Place the yeast and water in a dishpan or large mixing bowl and stir with a wooden spoon. Add the salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour and continue to stir, adding more flour a little at a time, until the dough is easy to handle. Knead for 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and shiny. Shape into a ball.

2. Spread a little oil on the bottom and sides of the bowl. Add the ball of dough, then turn it over, oiled side up. Cover and set in a warm spot for about 50 minutes, or until the dough doubles in bulk. Lightly oil a large baking sheet and set aside.

3. Punch down the risen dough and cut in half, then cut each half into 4 equal pieces (for a total of 8). Form each piece into a ball and let rest for 10 minutes. On a floured board, roll out each ball of dough into a 1/4-inch thick circle. (Don’t be concerned if your circles are irregular; the handmade look is part of their charm.)

4. Place the circles on the prepared baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let rise 30 to 40 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.

5. Place in a preheated 475°F oven and bake about 15 minutes, or until the pitas have just started to brown. Remove from the oven and cover the pitas with a clean kitchen towel (to keep them soft as they cool). They will lose their puffiness, but when you carefully split one open, you will find a pouch in the center.

TIP
If you are not going to use your pitas promptly, put them in a plastic bag to keep them soft. They also freeze very well. To reheat, wrap in aluminum foil and place in a 375°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until completely thawed.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 5
Total Calories: 288
Calories from Fat: 24

More Recipes from the Great Natural Breads Made Easy Cookbook:
Pita
Lavash
Pideh
Matzoh
Focaccia
Pizza Crust
Dinner Rolls
French-Style Hard Rolls
Whole Wheat Rolls
New York Bagels
Egg Bagels
Teething Biscuits
Soft Pretzels