Homemade Pita Bread

Soft, pillowy pita with a perfect pocket for scooping hummus or stuffing with grilled meats. It only needs pantry staples and a hot oven or skillet.

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast
   Stir yeast and sugar into warm water. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the dough
   Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead and rise
   Knead for 8 minutes until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour, until doubled.
4. Shape
   Divide into 8 pieces, roll each into a 1/4-inch thick round, and let rest 20 minutes.
5. Bake
   Preheat oven and a baking sheet or pizza stone to 500°F. Bake pitas 2-3 minutes each, until puffed and lightly golden.

Wrap warm pitas in a clean towel to keep them soft while you finish the batch.