Authentic Greek Pita Bread Recipe

Let’s dive into the world of proper authentic Greek pita bread – a true delight that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavours. Today, I’ll be your guide as we explore two methods of making this delectable bread, complete with insightful chef tips to ensure your pita bread turns out perfect. 

Method 1: Stand Mixer – To begin, gather your stand mixer and add 100 milliliters of room-temperature milk, 60 milliliters of room-temperature water, and 1.5 teaspoons of dried yeast. To ensure the yeast is active, you can check it by whisking the mixture and allowing it to sit for five minutes. Half a teaspoon of sugar, three-quarters of a teaspoon of fine salt, and optionally a pinch of thyme leaves are next in line to join the mix. Feel free to add finely chopped rosemary and oregano for an extra burst of flavor.

For the ultimate texture, incorporate 230 grams of bread flour and around two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Attach the dough hook and mix slowly for one to two minutes until everything is well combined. Switch to high speed (around five to six on a KitchenAid mixer) and continue mixing for another three to four minutes until the dough clears the bowl and wraps around the dough hook. To ensure the dough is ready, perform the tug test by pulling a piece of dough – it should not tear.

Shape the pita dough into a ball and allow it to rest, covered with a lid or damp cloth, for approximately 40 minutes or until it has doubled in size.

Method 2: By Hand – For those without a stand mixer, you can make the pita bread by hand. In a mixing bowl, combine milk, water, sugar, and yeast. After five minutes, when the yeast is visibly bubbling, add bread flour, salt, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix with a strong spoon until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for three to four minutes until the dough comes together and is no longer super sticky.

Shape the pita dough into a ball and let it rest, covered, for 40 minutes or until doubled in size.

Shaping and Cooking: Now comes the exciting part! On an olive oil-spread surface, place the dough ball and shape it into a cylinder. Cut it into four equal-sized pieces, shaping each portion into a ball. Avoid over-handling the dough to maintain its elasticity.

Next, heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the pita bread for approximately two minutes on each side. The heat should be enough to create a light sizzling sound but not so aggressive that the bread burns.

Final Thoughts: You’ve successfully created proper authentic Greek pita bread – a delightful experience that’s well worth the effort! These aromatic, soft yet crispy pita breads are perfect for indulging in a traditional Greek meal or savoring with your favorite dips and fillings.

Authentic Greek Pita Bread Recipe

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Both methods yield delicious results, so choose the one that suits your preference and kitchen equipment. This culinary adventure promises to impress your family and friends, as they savour the flavours and aromas of homemade pita bread. Enjoy the rewarding journey of creating this traditional Greek gem, and let the kitchen be your canvas as you explore the magic of pita bread! As always, the ingredients list can be found in the description below. Don't forget to check out my other recipes, and until next time, happy baking!

Ingredients

• 100ml milk (at room temperature)
• 60ml water (at room temperature)
• 1/2 teaspoon of sugar (2g)
• 1.5 teaspoons dried instant yeast (3g)
• 230g bread flour
• 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
• Pinch of thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• (More olive oil & flour for kneading and rolling)

Instructions

1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine 100ml of room temperature milk, 60ml of room temperature water, 1.5 tsp of dried yeast, 1/2 tsp of sugar, 3/4 tsp of fine salt, and 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil.
2. Mix on a low speed for 1-2 minutes until all ingredients are incorporated.
3. Turn the mixer to a high speed (5-6) and mix for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Check the dough by performing the "tug test" which is when you grab a piece of dough and pull it to see if it tears. If it does, mix on high speed for a little longer.
5. Shape the dough ball by rotating it 90 degrees a few times and tucking the edges underneath.
6. Cover the dough with a tight-fitting lid or a damp cloth and let it rest for 40 minutes or until doubled in size.
7. Preheat your oven to the highest setting and place a baking stone or baking tray in the oven.
8. Once the dough has doubled in size, divide it into 8 equal portions and roll out each portion into a circle.
9. Place the rolled-out dough on the baking stone or tray and bake for 2-3 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
10. Serve warm and enjoy with your favourite Mediterranean toppings.
11. If you don't have a stand mixer, you can still make this recipe by hand.
12. In a mixing bowl, combine 100ml of room temperature milk, 60ml of room temperature water, 1.5 tsp of dried yeast, 1/2 tsp of sugar, 3/4 tsp of fine salt, and 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil.
13. Mix ingredients together and knead the dough on a floured surface for 3-4 minutes or until it is no longer super sticky.
14. Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a tight-fitting lid or a damp cloth and let it rest for 40 minutes or until doubled in size.
15. Preheat your oven to the highest setting and place a baking stone or baking tray in the oven.
16. Once the dough has doubled in size, divide it into 8 equal portions and roll out each portion into a circle.
17. Place the rolled-out dough on the baking stone or tray and bake for 2-3 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
18. Serve warm and enjoy with your favourite Mediterranean toppings.