Pita Bread

Ingredients
1 1/2 Cups Warm Water (about 110 degrees)
1 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
1 Pkg Yeast
3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
2 Tsp Salt
2 Cups Bread Flour
1 3/4 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
* 2 Tsp Zaatar Seasoning

In a bowl, whisk together the flours, and Zaatar.  In another bowl (I used a stand mixer), add the water, sugar and yeast and stir. Let sit for about 5 minutes to activate the yeast.

Add the evoo and salt to the liquid and stir to combine.  With the mixer on low, gradually add in the dry ingredients.  Mix until the dough comes together but still a little shaggy.  On a very lightly floured counter, mix the dough by hand for about 10 minutes.

I use the method of pushing it forward with the palm of my right hand and folding over itself with the left.  Do this until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover. Set aside in a non drafty place for about 2 hours to rise.

Very lightly flour the counter again and pour out the dough. I barely kneaded the dough this time.  Just folded over 2 or 3 times.  Divide dough into 12 balls of equal size.  Easiest way to get them evenly divided is to just divide the dough in half and then divide each half in half, etc.

Take each piece of dough and fold under itself in a N, S, E, W fashion. Then flip over and pinch the dough together and gently roll the seam side down using the palm of your hand and the counter.

Place the 12 dough balls on a baking sheet, cover with a damp towel and let rise again for about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 500 degrees.  Roll out each ball of dough to about a 5" diameter. You don't want them so thick they won't bake properly, but you don't want them so thin they won't form a pocket.

Place the rolled out pita on a parchment lined baking sheet leaving just a little room in between.

Cook for about 5-7 minutes depending on your oven.  You don't want them to get browned on top, just a little color and they will puff up.  Mine took closer to the 7 min. side because of my oven, yours might take less.

* I used a bit more salt than other recipes called for because I felt the whole wheat flour needed the bump of extra salt to make it slightly less bitter.  Also I added in Zaatar seasoning. This is where you can be creative.  They are great plain, but I wanted more flavor so I added in the seasoning.  I've also done this with crispy fried garlic chips mashed up and blended into the dough.

Serve warm with butter and a sprinkle of sea salt or make into sandwiches (they really do form a pocket!).

#Enjoy!  #Cheftainment