Manaeesh

This is a slight variation from the traditional pita bread recipe and makes for a very uniquely flavored bread that goes well with vegetables or meat dishes and curries.

Ingredients:

All the ingredients as for pita bread AND Za'atar (ingredients given below)
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
3 tsp white sesame seeds
3 tbsp olive oil

Method:
1. Prepare the dough as for pita bread and preheat the oven and baking tray.
2. Crush the herbs and mix with sesame seeds and olive oil in a cup.
3. Just before popping the rolled dough into the oven, press it with fingertips to make small indentations on the top. Coat it with a layer of the za'atar (prepared herb, oil and sesame mixture) and bake as for pita bread.

Note: Pita bread can be stored for upto a week in a bread basket and for upto a month in the freezer. Just pop them into zip-lock bags before storing them in the freezer.

Pita bread

Here is a simple recipe for making pita bread. This goes well with yogurt dip, hummus and even stuffed with falafel or vegetables.

Ingredients:

3 tsp package of yeast, or quick rising yeast
1/2 cup warm water
3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 cup lukewarm water


Method:

1.Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup of warm water. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Let sit for 10-15 minutes until water is frothy.
2.Combine flour and salt in large bowl. Make a small depression in the middle of lour and pour yeast water and knead. Add more water and keep kneading until the mixture is elastic. This can also be done in a food processor.
3. Remove from food processor (if using it) and knead the dough thoroughly for around 10 minutes. It should not stick anymore and should be smooth and elastic.
4. Coat large bowl with vegetable/olive oil and place dough in bowl. Turn dough upside down so all of the dough is coated. Allow to sit in a warm place for about 3 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Once doubled, roll out in a rope, and pinch off 10-12 small pieces. Place balls on floured surface. Let sit covered for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 500 deg F. and make sure rack is at the very bottom of oven. Be sure to preheat your baking sheet also.
6. Roll out each ball of dough with a rolling pin into circles. Each should be about 5-6 inches across and 1/4 inch thick. Bake each circle for 4 minutes until the bread puffs up. Turn over and bake for 2 minutes.
7. Remove each pita with a spatula from the baking sheet and add additional pitas for baking. Take spatula and gently push down puff. Immediately place in storage bags.