How to Make Whole Wheat Pita Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whole wheat pitas are a great way to incorporate more whole grains into your diet. They are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with fresh ingredients for a healthier sandwich. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of making your own whole wheat pita bread from scratch.

Ingredients

240 ml (1 cup) lukewarm water 2 teaspoons dry yeast 1 teaspoon honey or agave 180 grams (1 1/2 cups) whole wheat flour 160 grams (1 1/4 cups) 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, extra if needed 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

In the bowl of your stand mixer, mix the water, honey, and yeast together and let it sit for about five minutes until foamy.

Add the flours, salt, and olive oil. Mix for a couple of minutes until the ingredients come together.

Sprinkle a little bit of flour onto your clean work surface and turn out the dough. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Add more flour only if necessary.

Make a ball and place it into an oiled bowl. Cover it and allow it to rest until it has doubled in size, about an hour.

Gently deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide it into 9 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.

Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a circle about 1/2 cm (1/4 inch) thick. Lift and turn the dough frequently as you roll to make sure it doesn't stick to your counter. Sprinkle with a little extra flour if it starts to stick.

Cover the circles with plastic wrap or a clean damp cloth to keep them from drying out.

Preheat the oven to 230 degrees Celsius (450 degrees Fahrenheit) and place a baking stone or baking sheet on the middle rack.

When the oven is ready, transfer 3 pitas at a time (or more if your oven is big) onto the baking surface and bake for 4 to 5 minutes or until the pitas have fully ballooned.

Remove the bread from the oven and repeat with the remaining pieces of dough.

Allow the homemade whole wheat pita bread to cool and serve as desired.

Enjoy your delicious, healthy whole wheat pita bread!

Notes

The dough overproofing can be a bit tricky. Make sure to keep an eye on it and adjust the resting time if necessary.

If you don't have a baking stone, a baking sheet will work well too.

Experiment with different herbs and spices added to the dough for unique flavor variations.

With these simple steps, you can create hearty, wholesome whole wheat pita bread that's perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or just plain enjoyment. Happy baking!