Homemade Fluffy Pita Bread with Thyme

Name: Homemade Fluffy Pita Bread with Thyme
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 500 g strong white bread flour; 200 ml milk; 100 ml lukewarm water; 7 g fast-action dried yeast; 1 tbsp olive oil plus a little extra for proving and brushing; 1 tbsp caster sugar; 2 tsp salt; 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Soft, pillowy, and infused with aromatic thyme, these homemade pitas are far superior to store-bought versions. Perfect for stuffing with falafel, dipping in hummus, or serving alongside grilled meats.

Servings8 Portions

Prep Time20 Mins

Cook Time40 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

strong white bread flour
500 g
milk
200 ml
lukewarm water
100 ml
fast-action dried yeast
7 g
olive oil plus a little extra for proving and brushing
1 tbsp
caster sugar
1 tbsp
salt
2 tsp
fresh thyme leaves
2 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the strong bread flour, fast-action yeast, caster sugar, and fresh thyme leaves. Add 2 tsp of salt and mix the dry ingredients together with your fingertips.

Pour the milk, olive oil, and 100ml of lukewarm water over the flour mixture. Use your fingers to bring the ingredients together until a rough dough forms.

Transfer the dough onto a clean work surface. Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment and mix on medium speed for about 5 minutes.

Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough inside, cover with a clean tea towel, and leave to rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until nearly doubled in size. For a slower rise and deeper flavor, you can let it prove in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Once risen, tip the dough out and divide it into eight equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a circle approximately 20cm wide.