Arabic Bread (Pita)

Below is a recipe for making 12 loaves of Arabic bread (pita). To make the loaves you need the following ingredients: -

1 teaspoon sugar

2 cups lukewarm water

1 pkg. active dry yeast (1 tablespoon)

2 teaspoons salt

3 cups stirred whole-wheat flour

3 cups enriched all-purpose flour

How to Make the Arabic Bread or Pita.

Dissolve sugar in water in bowl; sprinkle yeast over; let stand 10 minutes.

Combine all ingredients; work into a medium-stiff ball.

Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes).

Cover; let rise in warm place until doubled.

Form dough into a long roll; cut in 12 equal pieces. Form each into a ball.

Cover and let rise 30 minutes.

Roll each ball into one quarter  inch thick circle.

Cover; let rise again 30 minutes.

Heat oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit; place circles of dough directly on racks. As soon as dough puffs up (2 to 5 minutes), place under broiler for a few seconds until lightly browned.

Cool and store or freeze.

Note: These small round loaves are hollow  in the center.

Variations: 

1. The hollow loaves may be cut in half and stuffed with filling such as chopped tomatoes, lettuce, tahini (sesame seed butter). Falafels (p.76), and a garnish of parsley, or with chopped tomatoes, Yogurt Creme "Cheese" (p.99), a little olive oil, and oregano.  
2. Pita may be made from frozen bread. Thaw, cut dough for 1 loaf into 3 or 4 balls; spread each 1/4 inch thixk, tortilla- like; continue recipe as above.