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Za’atar Pitas Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 114 reviews

This Za’atar Pitas recipe offers a delightful way to make homemade Middle Eastern flatbreads infused with the earthy, aromatic flavors of za’atar seasoning. Soft, fluffy, and flavored with olive oil and za’atar, these pitas are perfect for dipping into hummus or drizzling with extra virgin olive oil, making them a savory and fragrant addition to any meal or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 380 g plain flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp caster sugar
  • 7 g instant yeast
  • 280 ml lukewarm water
  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil

Topping Ingredients

  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp za’atar seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine the plain flour, salt, caster sugar, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to evenly distribute all dry components.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: Pour the lukewarm water and 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil into the dry ingredients. Mix together until a loose dough forms, ensuring all flour is incorporated.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for around 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for the perfect pita texture.
  4. First Proof: Place the kneaded dough into a clean bowl with a small drizzle of olive oil at the bottom to prevent sticking. Cover with a tea towel and leave it to proof in a warm place for about 1 hour, or 1.5 to 2 hours if the environment is cooler, until it doubles in size.
  5. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan-assisted) to get it ready for baking the pitas.
  6. Shape the Pitas: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions (or more if preferred). Gently prod each ball with your fingers to shape them into flat rounds about 1-2 cm thick, creating the classic pita shape.
  7. Prepare Za’atar Topping: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of za’atar seasoning. Brush this mixture generously over the top of each pita. Sprinkle a good pinch of sea salt over each one for added flavor.
  8. Bake the Pitas: Place the prepared pita rounds onto a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden on top and cooked through.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the pitas to cool slightly before serving. They are delicious when dipped into hummus or drizzled with extra virgin olive oil for an authentic Middle Eastern treat.

Notes

  • Ensure the water is lukewarm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • The proofing time may vary based on room temperature; warmer environments speed up the rise.
  • You can adjust the number and size of pitas by dividing the dough into smaller portions if desired.
  • Za’atar seasoning can be purchased pre-made or homemade for extra freshness.
  • For softer pitas, cover baked pitas with a clean cloth to retain moisture after baking.

Keywords: Za'atar, pita bread, Middle Eastern bread, homemade pita, easy bread recipe, za'atar seasoning, flatbread

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/zaatar-pitas-recipe/