Homemade Israeli Pita Bread
Open any Israeli freezer, and you’ll almost definitely see pita bread (yes, we keep it in the freezer or it goes bad super quickly). We love to dip it in hummus, stuff it with falafel, meat, sabich, send our kids to school with pita as their sandwich (filled with egg, cheese, tuna, veggies or anything they like) and so much more.
Pita bread is a staple in Israel and throughout the Middle East. It’s known for its trademark pocket inside, allowing you to put in anything you desire.
When I think about pita, I think about hummus. I love heading to one of Israel’s most famous hummus joints (there are so many good ones, I can’t begin to choose my favorite) and dipping fresh pita bread into a large bowl of warm hummus. It’s unbelievably delicious and filling any time of day (I love it for breakfast, but it works for lunch or dinner too!).
Pita bread is originally from the Middle East, stemming from traditional flatbreads. While pita remains the most common in our neck of the woods (you can find it in every bakery and supermarket!), today it is more common in other places of the world. If you don’t have access to great pita near you, I have good news: it’s easy to make at home.
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Ever since I discovered this recipe, I’ve loved making my own pitas in the comfort of my home. While I can easily run out to the local bakery to get some fresh pitas, there is something fun and enjoyable about making my own.
Want to try it yourself? The ingredients are basic: flour, yeast, salt, brown sugar and water, that’s it! You’ll need to set aside a few hours while you let the dough rise and take care of it, but trust me, it will be worth it in the end when you’re munching on your own homemade Israeli pitas!
Here’s my favorite homemade pita recipe. Enjoy!
Israeli Pita Bread (makes 15 pitas)
Ingredients:
1 kg (2.2 pounds) white flour
1.5 tbsp. dry yeast
1 heaping tbsp. kosher salt
2 tbsp. brown sugar
3 tbsp. olive oil
2.5 -3 cups (600 ml) water (can be warm)
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Directions:
- Sift the flour into the mixer bowl, add the yeast and mix.
- Attach the dough hook and turn mixer on low speed.
- Slowly add sugar, olive oil, salt and water at the end, mix slowly until the dough separates from the sides of the bowl.
- Let the dough sit for 10 minutes, move the dough to a slightly oiled bowl and let rise for 60-90 minutes until it has doubled in size.
- Press the air out of the dough and divide into 15 equal balls.
- Place the balls on a large platter or floured surface, cover with a towel and let rise again for 15 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 480 degrees Fahrenheit and place a baking sheet upside down in the oven. The sheet will serve as a baking stone, that reaches high temperatures, allowing the pitas to rise.
- When the oven is hot, roll out 4 of the balls to thin circles (pita size)
- Remove the hot baking sheet from the oven (be careful!), place parchment paper over it and place the flattened balls on the sheet.
- Bake for 3-4 minutes until the pitas have risen, flip them over and bake for another 1-2 minutes. Note that the baking times may change from oven to oven so pay attention!
- Let the pitas cool while covered by a towel (they must be covered at all times because the air dries them out.
- These pitas are best on the day they are baked (you probably won’t have any leftover anyways since they are so good!). Enjoy!
Once your pitas are ready, cut them in half to reveal the pocket and stuff them with any of your favorite Israeli foods including hummus, falafel, tahina, or even steak or chicken. Close your eyes and pretend you’re sitting in the old city of Jerusalem or on the beach of Tel Aviv while you’re eating. It will be so good you’ll believe you’re there! B’tevaon.
Check out some of my favorite Israeli food recipes, perfect for putting inside your pita:
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Bring Israelis most popular flavors and tastes to your home with Israelibox.
Pita bread is just one of the many amazing staples of the Israeli Kitchen. Each month Israelibox sends Israel in a box (including something yummy!) so that you can experience Israel straight from the comforts of your own home. Ready to start receiving Israel in a box? Click here to sign up for one of our subscription plans.
Shalom, I’m Maya, a native Israeli (aka sabra) and the founder of Israelibox.
IsraeliBox is a subscription box that brings Israel closer to you than ever.
I started Israelibox to give you the chance to experience Israel like Israelis do.
Want to send Israel as a gift?
The Shuk Basket box includes some of my favorite flavors from Israel’s top shuks (markets) and is the perfect gift for a loved one (or yourself) that loves Israel.
