Pita

Pita is a type of round pocket bread widely consumed in many Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisines. It is also known as Arabic bread, Syrian bread, and Greek pita. The bread is made from wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt. It is traditionally baked at high temperatures which causes the dough to puff up and form a pocket. Once cooled, the bread flattens but the pocket remains. This pocket can be filled with a variety of ingredients to make sandwiches.

History

The word 'pita' comes from the Greek language, meaning 'pastry' or 'cake'. The bread has been a staple in the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean diets for thousands of years. It is believed to have originated in the Middle East around 2500 BC. The bread was initially used as an edible plate to scoop up meat and vegetables. Over time, it evolved into a pocket bread that could be filled with ingredients.

Preparation

To prepare pita, a dough is made from wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough is then divided into small balls and rolled into flat circles. These circles are baked at high temperatures, causing the dough to puff up and form a pocket. Once the bread cools, it flattens but the pocket remains.

Uses

Pita bread is used in a variety of ways in different cuisines. It can be used to scoop up dips like hummus and baba ghanoush, or filled with ingredients like falafel, gyro, or shawarma to make sandwiches. It can also be cut into small pieces and baked to make pita chips.

Nutritional Value

Pita bread is a good source of carbohydrates and provides a moderate amount of protein. It is low in fat and contains no sugar. Whole wheat pita bread also provides a good amount of dietary fiber.

See Also

• Bread
• Middle Eastern cuisine
• Mediterranean cuisine

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