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Soft Pita Bread (Stovetop)

PREP TIME 25 minutes
COOK TIME 15 minutes
Rise time 1 hour
TOTAL TIME 1 hour 40 minutes
servings6 Pitas
Soft, fluffy homemade pita bread cooked on the stovetop until lightly browned and beautifully puffed.
Soft pita bread cooked on the stovetop with a fluffy interior and pocket
Ingredients
  • cups (300 g) all purpose flour (plain flour)
  • 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
  • 1 teaspoon (4 g) white granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) instant yeast (rapid rise)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) warm water (100°F to 110°F / 38°C to 43°C)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) warm milk (100°F to 110°F / 38°C to 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable or canola oil
Instructions
  • Flour mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
  • Milk mixture: In a measuring jug or small bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, and oil.
  • Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture.
  • Knead with a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook for 5 to 6 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
    If kneading by hand, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes, dusting with a little flour as needed until smooth and elastic.
  • Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 6 equal pieces. Shape each piece into smooth balls.
  • Roll each ball into a 6-inch (15 cm) circle, keeping the thickness as even as possible.
  • Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook one pita for 1 to 2 minutes, until it begins to puff.
  • Flip and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until lightly browned. If needed, flip once more and cook for a few more seconds. Transfer to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel while cooking the remaining pitas.
  • Transfer to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel while cooking the remaining pitas.

Storage

  • Store cooled pita bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in a dry skillet or microwave until soft.
Recipe Notes
Active dry yeast: If using active dry yeast instead of instant, stir it into the warm water and sugar from this recipe. Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes, or until foamy. Then add the yeast mixture to the flour with the warm milk and oil, and continue with the recipe.  Roll evenly:
Roll evenly: Roll each piece into a 6-inch (15 cm) circle, keeping the thickness as even as possible.
Cook over medium heat: If the skillet is too hot, the pitas may brown before they have time to puff. Adjust the heat as needed. .
Nutrition
Serving: 1pita | Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 397mg | Potassium: 105mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 2mg