published May 10, 2023 Every culture along the Silk Road has its own unique version of bread. We have Indian Naan Bread, Turkish Sesame Bread, and Khachapuri Georgian Cheese Bread — just to name a few. Today’s pita bread recipe is a traditional Arabic recipe. Make this pita bread once and you’ll never go back to store-bought! Khubz is the perfect addition to any appetizer tray with sliced veggies and dips like White Bean Hummus or Kawarma (Hummus with Lamb). It’s also the perfect accompaniment to meals like Kabsa (Arabic Chicken and Rice) and is great stuffed full of classics like Lamb Shawarma.
WHAT IS KHUBZ?
Khubz (the Arabic name for “bread”) has alternative names of khoubz, khobez, khubez, and khubooz. It’s also known as:
Pita bread Arabic bread or Arab bread Syrian bread Lebanese flatbread
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Active Dry Yeast – Also called double-rise yeast, this crucial ingredient allows for 2 rounds of dough rising. Rapid-rise or quick-rise yeast will not work as substitutes. Water – Lukewarm water is very important for this step. If the water is too hot, it might kill the yeast. Conversely, if it is too cold, the yeast won’t activate at all. Sugar – A bit of white sugar feeds the yeast and sets the whole magical process in motion. Flour – I like an equal combination of whole wheat and bread flour for this pita bread recipe. If desired, you can use only bread flour. Salt – Kosher salt or sea salt are great options. Avoid regular table salt for this recipe. Oil – Olive oil is perfect, or you can substitute another oil with a neutral flavor.
HOW TO MAKE PITA BREAD
How Do You Keep Pita Bread From Getting Hard?
Due to its thin nature, pita bread is notorious for drying out and hardening rather quickly. For maximum freshness, store your leftover khubz in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within 3 days. You can also wrap and store leftovers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Before eating, wrap each flatbread in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave for about a minute. It should be perfectly soft again!
Why Did My Pita Bread Not Puff?
High heat is essential for this pita bread recipe to be successful. Whether using the oven or stovetop, set the heat to maximum and thoroughly preheat your pan before adding the dough. This creates steam, which is essential for puffing up these pitas.
What’s the Difference Between Naan and Pita Bread?
Naan is an Indian flatbread, whereas pita bread is more commonly found in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Naan has more fat, which makes it moister and softer than khubz. Naan can include eggs, ghee, yogurt, and a variety of herbs and spices. Pita bread, on the other hand, is a much leaner, lighter, and simple bread. Khubz also has the signature “pita pocket” that makes it perfect for stuffing full of goodies. This recipe post, originally published on Silk Road Recipes January 2021, was updated with new content, photos and/or video in May 2023.
