Discover how to make the perfect pita pastry with this easy recipe. Whether you prefer cheese, pumpkin, or potato filling, this versatile pastry is a tasty treat for any meal. Follow our step-by-step guide to create flaky, golden pitas stuffed with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon instant yeast

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 1/2 cup warm water

- 1/4 cup milk

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- Filling of choice (cheese, pumpkin, potatoes)

For Cheese Filling:

- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella, feta, or cheddar)

For Pumpkin Filling:

- 1 cup cooked and mashed pumpkin

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar

For Potato Filling:

- 1 cup boiled and mashed potatoes

- 1/2 teaspoon cumin

- 1/2 teaspoon paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.

  - In a separate bowl, mix the warm water, milk, and olive oil.

  - Gradually add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.

  - Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

  - Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

  - For cheese filling, simply have the cheese ready.

  - For pumpkin filling, mix the mashed pumpkin with cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey or sugar.

  - For potato filling, combine the mashed potatoes with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Assemble the Pitas:

  - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  - Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions.

  - Roll each portion into a thin circle on a floured surface.

  - Place a spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of each circle.

  - Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal.

Bake the Pitas:

  - Place the filled pitas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  - Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

  - Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your homemade pita pastries fresh out of the oven!

Nutritional values

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)

 - Calories: 364 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 76g

 - Protein: 10g

Benefits:

 - Provides a source of carbohydrates for energy.

 - Contains some protein and essential minerals such as iron.

Instant Yeast (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 325 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 60g

Benefits:

 - Helps the dough rise by producing carbon dioxide.

 - Contains B vitamins and protein.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon)

 - Sodium: 38,000mg

Benefits:

 - Enhances the flavor of the dough.

 - Essential for maintaining fluid balance in the body.

Sugar (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: 387 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 100g

Benefits:

 - Provides energy through quick-release carbohydrates.

 - Enhances the flavor and helps the yeast activate.

Warm Water (1/2 cup)

- Nutritional Values: N/A

Benefits:

 - Activates the yeast and helps bind the dough.

Milk (1/4 cup)

 - Calories: 42 kcal

 - Protein: 3g

 - Carbohydrates: 5g

 - Fat: 1g

Benefits:

 - Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.

 - Provides calcium and vitamins.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: 119 kcal

 - Fat: 14g (mostly monounsaturated fats)

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and helps with the dough’s texture.

 - Provides heart-healthy fats.

Filling Ingredients:

Cheese Filling:

Shredded Cheese (1 cup)

 - Calories: 280 kcal

 - Protein: 28g

 - Fat: 17g

Benefits:

 - Provides a rich source of protein and calcium.

 - Adds flavor and creamy texture.

Pumpkin Filling:

Cooked and Mashed Pumpkin (1 cup)

 - Calories: 26 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 7g

 - Protein: 1g

Benefits:

 - High in vitamins A and C.

 - Contains antioxidants and fiber, promoting eye health and digestion.

Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 247 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 81g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and has anti-inflammatory properties.

 - Contains antioxidants that support overall health.

Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 525 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 49g

Benefits:

 - Provides a warm, sweet flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and has potential digestive benefits.

Honey or Sugar (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: 64 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 17g

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness and enhances the flavor.

 - Honey has additional antioxidants and potential antimicrobial properties.

Potato Filling:

Boiled and Mashed Potatoes (1 cup)

 - Calories: 77 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 17g

 - Protein: 2g

Benefits:

 - Provides energy through carbohydrates.

 - Contains vitamins B6 and C, potassium, and fiber.

Cumin (1/2 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 375 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 44g

Benefits:

 - Adds a warm, earthy flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and aids digestion.

Paprika (1/2 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 282 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 54g

Benefits:

 - Adds color and mild flavor.

 - Rich in vitamins A and antioxidants.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

 - Sodium: ~38,000mg

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor.

 - Salt is essential for maintaining fluid balance; pepper adds a slight kick and has potential digestive benefits.

This recipe combines a versatile dough with various filling options, each offering different nutritional benefits. The dough ingredients provide a base of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, while the fillings add flavors and additional nutrients. Cheese adds protein and calcium, pumpkin provides vitamins and antioxidants, and potatoes offer energy and fiber. Spices and seasonings enhance flavor and contribute to overall health.