Foolproof Pita Bread
Carlene Thomas RDN
January 21, 2022
Fluffy with guaranteed pockets, homemade pita bread is way easier to make than you may think when you use the Anova Precision Oven. Heating a cast iron skillet in high, dry heat in the oven gives you results similar to baking in a pizza oven. You can even save time by using the oven to proof the dough.
Note: After further testing, this recipe has been updated to use a higher volume of water.
Serves
4
Prep Time
00:45
Cook Time
01:54
4.5 (2)
715
Ingredients
280 g (2 cups)
all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
35 g (¼ cup)
whole wheat flour
1 tsp
kosher salt
1 tsp
instant yeast
½ tsp
diastatic malt powder (optional)
220 g (1 cup minus 1 Tbsp)
lukewarm water
1 Tbsp
extra-virgin olive oil
Steps
1. Preheat the Oven
Rack
Sous Vide Mode: Off
Steam: 60%
Temp: 81°F
Heat: Rear
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large, oven-safe bowl, whisk together the flours with the salt, yeast, and malt powder, if using.
3. Add Liquid Ingredients
Stir in the water, followed by the olive oil.
4. Stir
Continue to stir until the dough comes together. Knead a few times with your hand to form the dough into a ball.
5. Proof
Rack
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Transfer to the oven and proof until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours. Remove from the oven.
Sous Vide Mode: Off
Steam: 60%
Temp: 81°F
Heat: Rear
01:30 Timer
6. Adjust Oven for Baking with Cast Iron Skillet
Rack
Place a cast iron skillet or pizza stone on a rack in the middle position before adjusting the oven. Let the skillet heat up with the oven.
Sous Vide Mode: Off
Steam: Off
Temp: 450°F
Heat: Rear
7. Portion
On a floured counter, divide the dough into four even pieces.
8. Bench Rise
Roll each round briefly in the flour on the counter. Transfer to a square of parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise at room temperature for 35 minutes.
9. Roll
Roll each pita into a 6- to 7-inch circle. You can start by using your hands to press it into shape, then use a rolling pin to form the circle. Add flour as needed to prevent sticking.
10. Bake
Rack
Working with one pita at a time, carefully place onto the hot cast iron skillet and bake until puffed and lightly golden, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Sous Vide Mode: Off
Steam: Off
Temp: 450°F
Heat: Rear
00:06 Timer
11. Continue to Bake
Repeat the baking process with the remaining pita rounds.
12. Serve
Serve immediately or save and toast before serving.
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