Kosovo Pita Bread holds a cherished place in Kosovar cuisine, often gracing tables as a quintessential accompaniment to meals. This rustic bread is a testament to Kosovo's culinary heritage, known for its simple yet flavorful profile. Crafted from basic ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and salt, the dough is carefully kneaded and left to rise, resulting in a bread with a soft, airy texture and a subtle, satisfying taste.

Kosovo Pita Bread is versatile and pairs wonderfully with various dishes, from savory stews to fresh salads. Its presence on the table embodies the spirit of sharing and conviviality that defines Kosovo's dining culture. Whether enjoyed plain or used to scoop up dips and spreads, this bread reflects the heartwarming traditions and authentic flavors of Kosovo.

Ingredients:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

- 1 1/2 cups warm water

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for brushing)

Instructions:

1- Activate the Yeast:

- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup of warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

2- Mix the Dough:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture, remaining 1 cup of warm water, and olive oil. Mix until the dough comes together.

3- Knead the Dough:

- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.

4- First Rise:

- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

5- Shape the Bread:

- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten each ball into a round disk, about 1/4-inch thick.

6- Second Rise:

- Place the flattened dough rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes.

7- Preheat the Oven:

- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

8- Bake the Bread:

- Brush the risen dough rounds with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and puffed up.

9- Serve:

- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with your favorite Kosovar dishes.

Enjoy your homemade Kosovo Pita Bread as a delightful accompaniment to meals or as a tasty snack on its own!

Nutritional Values :

All-Purpose Flour (4 cups):

- Calories: 1560 kcal

- Total Fat: 4 g

- Saturated Fat: 0.6 g

- Sodium: 16 mg

- Total Carbohydrates: 324 g

- Dietary Fiber: 11.2 g

- Protein: 44 g

benefits:

- Provides carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy.

- Contains some protein and fiber, though in smaller amounts compared to whole wheat flour.

Active Dry Yeast (1 packet):

- Calories: 23 kcal

- Total Fat: 0.4 g

- Sodium: 2 mg

- Total Carbohydrates: 3.6 g

- Dietary Fiber: 3.6 g

- Protein: 3 g

benefits:

- A good source of protein and B vitamins.

- Helps in leavening bread by fermenting sugars in the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas which causes the dough to rise.

Water (1 1/2 cups):

- No significant nutritional value (0 calories)

benefits:

- Essential for hydration and helps in regulating body temperature.

- Plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including digestion and nutrient transportation.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

- Calories: 0 kcal

- Total Fat: 0 g

- Sodium: 2325 mg

- Total Carbohydrates: 0 g

- Protein: 0 g

benefits:

- Adds flavor to the bread and helps regulate the yeast activity during fermentation.

- Moderation is important due to potential impacts on blood pressure and cardiovascular health.

Olive Oil (1 tablespoon):

- Calories: 119 kcal

- Total Fat: 13.5 g

- Saturated Fat: 1.9 g

- Sodium: 0 mg

- Total Carbohydrates: 0 g

- Protein: 0 g

benefits:

- Contains monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL cholesterol) and reduce the risk of heart disease.

- Provides antioxidants and vitamin E.

Total Nutritional Values (Whole Recipe):

- Calories: Approximately 1702 kcal

- Total Fat: Approximately 18.3 g

- Saturated Fat: Approximately 2.5 g

- Sodium: Approximately 2343 mg

- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 327.6 g

- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 15.2 g

- Protein: Approximately 50 g

These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands of ingredients used. The nutritional information provided is for the entire recipe, so individual serving sizes will contain a fraction of these values. Adjustments can be made based on dietary preferences and needs.