Once you make this homemade vegan pita bread, you won't want to go back to store bought. Pita is a yeast-leavened, round flatbread with a puffy pocket, commonly eaten in the Middle East and neighboring countries. It's made with flour, olive oil, yeast, salt, and a touch of sugar to aid in fermenting. It's so warm and delicious!
Prep Time25 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
To ferment and rise2 hourshrs30 minutesmins
Course: Side
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Servings: 8pita breads
Calories: 206kcal
Author: Kenden Alfond
Ingredients
2½cupsall-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading(300 grams)
1½cupslukewarm water, divided(360 ml)
1½teaspoonsactive dry yeast
1teaspoonlight brown sugar
1cupwhole wheat flour(125 grams)
½teaspoonsalt
1teaspooncanola or olive oil
Instructions
Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of lukewarm water with all of the yeast and sugar into a mixing bowl. Mix with a fork.
Cover with a kitchen towel and allow to ferment for 30 minutes until thick and frothy.
Add 1 cup of all purpose flour and 1 cup of whole wheat flour , ½ cup of lukewarm water, and salt. Fork mix until a sticky dough comes together.
Transfer to a clean, floured surface and knead for around 10 minutes, gradually adding ½ cup of flour and a teaspoon of olive oil. The dough will become smooth and springy to the touch.
Shape dough into a ball and place into a mixing bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow to rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Tip the risen dough onto a floured surface and knead for 1 minute. Use a sharp knife to cut into 8-10 equal pieces and form each into a ball with your hands.
Cover and allow to rise for another 30 minutes.
Roll each ball into a flat circle, cover and allow to rise for another 30 minutes.
Lightly oil the skillet and heat over medium heat for 2 minutes.
One at a time, cook pitas in the hot skillet for 1-2 minutes each side until they puff.
Notes
Added variations to the end of Step 4:
Crunch - add chopped pumpkin or sunflower seeds to add flavor, texture, and nutrition
Sweetness - add chopped raisins or currants, orange zest, or ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
Savory - add chopped, baked garlic, and ½ teaspoon of turmeric for a savory, golden pita