Healthy Whole Wheat Pita Bread

Pita bread is a great starter to make with hummus in a party.  Healthy, Low fat and yummy - what more can you ask for?  Pita bread has its origin in Middle Eastern cuisine where it has a prominent place in the flat bread category.  Traditionally, pita bread is made with All Purpose Flour(APF) or maida but to make it virtuous, this recipe uses whole wheat flour, and NO oil or sugar.  You can make it with half n half flours too - half whole wheat and half APF.

Makes 10 pita breads

Ingredients:


• 4 cups whole wheat flour (or 2 cups whole wheat flour and 2 cups all-purpose flour)

• 1 tablespoon dry yeast

• 1 1/4 cups warm water (120-130F degrees)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

Method:
1.  Preheat oven to 500°F (260 C) - the highest temprature setting.

2.  Sift together 2 cups of flour and the yeast.

3.  Add water and salt and mix well.

4.  Gradually add in the remaining flour just until the dough begins to clean the sides of the bowl. Once this happens, stop adding flour (so, you might not use all the flour the recipe calls for).

5.  Knead the dough for about 4 or 5 minutes, or until dough is smooth and elastic. (While you're kneading, you can get creative and add in some herbs or spices, but only if you want to do that). Be careful not to over-knead the dough.

5. When you are done kneading the dough, place it in a bowl that has been lightly coated with any vegetable oil.  Form a ball out of the dough and place it into the bowl, rolling the ball of dough around in the bowl so that it has a light coat of oil on all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and set aside to rise until it has doubled in size, approximately 90 minutes.


6. When it has doubled in size, punch the dough down to release some of the trapped gases, and leave it again to relax for 20-30 minutes.

7. Form dough into 10 balls.  On a floured surface, roll each ball into a 5-6 inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick. (Be sure to sprinkle a little flour on both sides to prevent sticking).

8.  Lay down the prepared pitas on a baking sheet, and bake on the bottom rack of the oven for 5 minutes. (The instant hot heat will help them puff up).

9. When the pitas come out of the oven they will be hard, but they will soften as the cool.

10. Store them, while they're still warm, in plastic baggies or an airtight container.

Cut the pitas in half crosswise and stuff with your favorite fillings (beans and rice, taco fixings, thick stews, curries - anything goes).  OR cut them in triangles and serve them warm with Hummus as a dip.

Pitas can be reheated in a 350°F oven or in the microwave.