Tag: sourdough

How to Make Authentic Sourdough Pita | Easy, Soft & Fluffy Homemade Flatbread

Introduction Pita bread is a beloved flatbread with a history dating back thousands of years to the ancient Middle East. Its name comes from the Greek word “pita,” meaning “flat” or “solid.” Traditionally, pita bread has been a staple in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines. The defining feature of pita is its pocket, formed during the baking process, which makes it perfect for stuffing with fillings or scooping up dips. Regional variations exist: some pitas are thicker with no pocket (like Greek pita), while others are thinner and more pliable. This sourdough version offers a tangy twist, using a natural leaven for flavor and texture.

Ingredients

  • 340 grams All-Purpose Flour
  • 60 grams Whole Wheat Flour
  • 160 grams Sourdough Starter (fed and active)
  • 220 grams Water
  • 20 grams Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 10 grams Sea Salt

Directions

  1. Prepare the Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter has been fed 4-6 hours before using, so it is active and bubbly.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the water, olive oil, and sourdough starter. Stir well until the starter dissolves. Add the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and sea salt. Mix until a rough dough forms, then knead by hand in the bowl for 1-2 minutes until no dry spots remain.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead by hand for 15-20 minutes until soft and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover with plastic wrap or a lid. Let it ferment in a warm spot for about 4 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  4. Shape the Dough: Gently stretch and fold the dough to release gas, then divide it into 8 equal pieces using a dough scraper. Shape each piece into a ball, ensuring tension on the surface. Cover the dough balls with a kitchen towel and let them rest for 10 minutes.
  5. Preheat the Oven (Optional): If baking, preheat your oven to 450°F with a pizza steel, cast iron pan, or cookie sheet inside to heat up.
  6. Roll the Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into a 6-inch circle. Start in the center and work outward, rotating the dough as you go. Avoid rolling to the edges to maintain a circular shape. Roll the dough thin for proper puffing.
  7. Cook on the Stove: Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, place a rolled dough circle into the pan. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbles form and the bottom is lightly browned. Flip the pita and cook for another 1-2 minutes until puffed and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining dough circles. Keep cooked pitas warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel.
  8. Bake the Pitas (Optional): For baking, place a dough circle on the preheated surface. Bake until it fully inflates (about 3-4 minutes). Flip and bake for 1-2 more minutes to finish cooking. Repeat with the remaining dough.
  9. Cool and Serve: Transfer the cooked pita breads to a cooling rack. Let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (per pita)

  • Calories: ~200
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 200mg

Serving Suggestions Sourdough pita bread is incredibly versatile. Use it for sandwiches, gyros, or as a side for soups and salads. It pairs wonderfully with hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, or your favorite dips. For a full meal, try stuffing it with grilled chicken, falafel, or roasted vegetables.

Recommended Pairings

  • Foods: Mediterranean dishes like tabbouleh, shakshuka, or Greek salad.
  • Beverages: Light and refreshing options like lemonade, iced tea, or a crisp white wine.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Flour: Substitute spelt or rye flour for a nuttier flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or melted butter for a different taste.
  • Sourdough Starter: If you don’t have a starter, use 1 teaspoon of instant yeast, but adjust water and proofing time accordingly.

Summary This sourdough pita bread recipe adds a delicious, tangy twist to the traditional pita. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy homemade pita bread fresh from your oven or stovetop. Perfect for dipping, stuffing, or enjoying on its own, this recipe is a must-try for any bread enthusiast!

https://youtu.be/tXtNkCKnhzM

Sourdough Pita Bread

How to make Sourdough English Muffins

Have you ever wondered what else you can do with your sourdough discard?  One of the many things you can use it for is to create sourdough English Muffins.  Sourdough English Muffin are delicious and easy to make.  My family loves these home made English Muffins and we eat them for breakfast with butter or jam and we even put on some sausage and egg to create our own version of the McDonald’s Sausage McMuffin.  Join me and let’s make a batch.

Ingredients:

1 Cup of fed starter

2 Cups of milk

2 TBS of honey

5 Cups of all-purpose flour divided

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp salt

1 tsp

Directions:

  1. Add starter to a bowl and then combine with the milk.  Stirring to dissolve starter into milk.
  2. Add honey and mix in.
  3. Add 4 cups of flour and mix in.
  4. Cover and let it rest at room temperature overnight.
  5. Uncover and punch down dough.
  6. Add baking soda and salt to dough and kneed in, add flour as needed to keep dough from sticking.  May need to add up to 1 cup of flour.  Kneed for 5 mins.
  7. Use a rolling pin to roll dough out to a ½ inch thickness, then using a 3-inch biscuit cutter cut out your muffins from the dough.
  8. Place cut muffins on parchment paper that has corn meal sprinkled on it.  Sprinkle corn meal on top of the muffins. 
  9. Let muffins rise for 45 mins. 
  10. Cook 4 to 5 muffins at a time in a buttered cast iron pan at low to medium heat.  Cook the muffins approximately 4 mins per side until each side has a nice golden color.
  11. Remove from pan and eat! You can eat them with butter, peanut butter, jam, or add egg and sausage with some cheese to make a sausage muffin. 

How to make Sourdough English Muffins