Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast
- Start by dissolving the sugar and yeast in warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll see bubbles form; that means it’s active and ready to work!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, garlic powder, and sea salt. Mix well to evenly disperse the salt and garlic powder throughout the flour.
Step 3: Combine the Mixtures
- Once your yeast foam has formed, mix in your olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. Gradually add this mixture to your dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine them until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial; proper kneading develops gluten and helps with puffs.
Step 5: Let It Rise
- Lightly grease a bowl and place your kneaded dough inside. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1 hour.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
- While waiting, preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat up. If not, simply use a baking sheet.
Step 7: Shape the Pitas
- Once doubled, punch the dough down to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and shape them into balls. Roll each ball out into circles about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface.
Step 8: Bake the Pitas
- Place the rolled-out pitas on a baking stone or directly onto the hot baking sheet. Bake for about 5 to 7 minutes or until they puff up. They should have a nice golden color.
Step 9: Store or Serve Warm
- After baking, let the pita cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve them warm, or let them cool completely before storing.
Nutrition
Notes
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your pita-making journey is a success:
- Don’t Over-Knead: Kneading is essential, but overworking the dough can make your pitas tough rather than soft.
- Check Yeast Freshness: Old yeast won’t rise. Make sure yours is fresh and active.
- Pita Flip: If some pita don’t puff up, try flipping them midway through baking. Sometimes, heat distribution can cause uneven puffing.
- Shape Consistently: Keep your rounds of dough roughly the same size. This helps with even baking.
- Keep Warm: If you make a large batch, wrap them in a towel while baking the others to keep them warm.