Pita bread, from the Middle East, is tasty and useful in many dishes. This guide shows you its history, classic ways to eat it, and fun new recipes. Whether dipping in hummus or making a sandwich, learn how to enjoy pita bread in many delicious ways with amikrafty!
Understanding Pita Bread
Pita bread is a round, flat bread with a soft texture and a pocket in the middle. It's been a favorite in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking for many years and is now enjoyed all over the world.
What is Pita Bread?
Pita bread, sometimes called Arabic or Syrian bread, started in the Middle East thousands of years ago. It's made with simple ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt. When baked at high heat, the bread puffs up and creates a pocket.
Types of Pita Bread
There are different kinds of pita bread, including:
White Pita Bread: Made with white flour, it's soft and has a mild taste.
Whole Wheat Pita Bread: Made with whole wheat flour, it's healthier with more fiber and nutrients.
Flavored Pita Bread: Some pitas have added herbs, spices, or flavors like garlic, onion, or sesame seeds.
Health Benefits
Pita bread is a good source of energy because it's rich in carbohydrates. Whole wheat pita is especially good for you because it has lots of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full. Pita bread also has important nutrients like protein, iron, and B vitamins.
Knowing more about pita bread can help you enjoy it even more and find new ways to use it in your meals.
How to eat Pita Bread?
Pita bread is a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean diets, enjoyed in many traditional ways. Here are some classic methods to savor pita bread:
As a Wrap for Falafel or Shawarma
Falafel: Small, fried balls made from ground chick peas or fava beans. They are stuffed inside pita bread with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and topped with tahini sauce.
Shawarma: Thinly sliced, marinated meat (like lamb, chicken, or beef) cooked on a spit, placed in pita bread, and garnished with garlic sauce, pickles, and fresh veggies.
With Classic Dips
Hummus: A creamy dip made from chick peas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Tear or cut the pita bread into pieces and dip it into the hummus.
Tzatziki: A refreshing dip made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. Use pita bread to scoop up the cool, tangy dip.
Baba Ganoush: A smoky dip made from roasted eggplants, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Enjoy it by dipping pieces of pita bread.
As a Base for Mediterranean Pizza
Preparation: Spread tomato sauce or pesto on the pita bread. Add toppings like feta cheese, olives, cherry tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs. Bake in the oven until the cheese melts and the pita is crispy.
Serving as a Side Dish
With Soups and Stews: Pita bread is great for soaking up the rich broths of soups and stews, making the meal heartier.
With Salads: Cut the pita bread into pieces and serve it with salads, or tear it and mix it into the salad for added texture, like in the Lebanese salad Fattoush.
These traditional methods show how versatile pita bread is. Whether as a wrap, a dipper, or a pizza base, pita bread is a delicious part of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
Recipes Featuring Pita Bread
Pita bread's versatility makes it perfect for a variety of delicious recipes. Here are some easy and flavorful dishes you can make using pita bread as a key ingredient:
Recipe 1: Classic Falafel Wrap
Ingredients:
4 pita breads
16 falafel balls (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup lettuce, shredded
2 tomatoes, sliced
1 cucumber, sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Tahini sauce or hummus
Instructions:
Warm the pita breads in the oven or on a stovetop until soft and pliable.
Open each pita pocket and fill with 4 falafel balls per pita.
Add shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onion.
Drizzle with tahini sauce or spread with hummus.
Wrap the pita tightly and serve immediately.
Recipe 2: Greek Pita Pizza
Ingredients
4 pita breads
1/2 cup tomato sauce or pesto
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the pita breads on a baking sheet.
Spread tomato sauce or pesto evenly over each pita bread.
Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, crumbled feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, and halved cherry tomatoes.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Tips and Tricks
Pita bread is versatile and easy to enjoy in various dishes. Here are some tips and tricks to make the most out of your pita bread experience:
Keeping Pita Bread Soft and Fresh
Storage: Store pita bread in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Alternatively, freeze it for longer storage.
Reheating: To soften stale pita bread, sprinkle it lightly with water and microwave for a few seconds or wrap it in foil and warm in the oven.
How to Cut and Open Pita Pockets
Technique: Gently insert a knife into the seam of the pita bread and carefully slice horizontally around the edge. Use your fingers to open the pocket gently.
Conclusion
Pita bread's versatility shines in wraps, chips, pizzas, and more. Whether with dips or as a meal base, its mild flavor enhances every dish. Explore the endless ways to enjoy pita bread and elevate your meals with its simple yet delicious presence.
