Have you ever experienced the unique sensation of savoring a sourdough whole wheat pita bread? If not, get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience. Today, we’re bringing you an incredible, flavor-packed recipe that will turn your meals into something truly special.
Ingredients for Sourdough Whole Wheat Pita Bread:
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) whole wheat flour
- approx. 7/8 cup (210ml) water
- 1/2 cup (100g) active sourdough starter
- 1 tablespoon (15g) demerara or light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons (10g) fine sea salt
How to Make Sourdough Whole Wheat Pita Bread:
- Start with the autolyse: Mix the flour and water and let it rest for one hour.
- After this time, add the sourdough starter to the autolyse dough and incorporate well.
- Next, incorporate the sugar and olive oil.
- Let it rest for another 30 minutes, then add the salt.
- After incorporating the salt, knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
- Divide the dough into equal-sized balls, approximately 2 oz (60g) each. Let the balls rest for 4 hours in a covered container lightly dusted with flour.
- Then, refrigerate for 12 hours.
- After the cold fermentation, roll the dough out into 4 to 5-inch (10-12cm) circles, place them on a shallow baking sheet lightly dusted with flour, and let them rest for another 15 minutes.
- Before putting them in the oven, flip the discs so they bake evenly.
- Bake at the highest temperature (e.g., 500°F/260°C) for 8 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven, wrap completely in a kitchen towel, and let them cool down slightly.
Tips for Success:
Flipping the discs before baking is crucial; it helps them puff up as evenly as possible. Don’t overbake, or they will become dry and brittle. Once cooled, store in a plastic bag and consume within 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Prep Time and Yield:
The total time for this Sourdough Whole Wheat Pita, including resting and fermentation, is approximately 17 hours. This recipe makes about 10 generous portions, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Did You Know?
Pita bread, also known as Arabic bread, has ancient origins and is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine. Its signature feature is its ability to form a hollow pocket when baked, perfect for stuffing with meats, vegetables, and sauces. Additionally, whole wheat pita offers extra nutritional benefits due to the use of whole grain flour, which is rich in fiber and essential nutrients.
Try this Sourdough Whole Wheat Pita recipe and discover the flavor and tradition of this ancient delicacy. Whether for a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch, or a side for your main meal, this pita is always a great choice. Enjoy every bite and share the goodness!