How to Make Arabic Bread at Home
Arabic bread, also known as pita bread, is a soft and fluffy flatbread that is popular in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It is easy to make at home with simple ingredients and a few steps. In this article, you will learn how to make Arabic bread from scratch, what are the benefits of eating it, and how to serve it with different dishes.
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Ingredients
To make Arabic bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of warm water
- 1/4 teaspoon of yeast
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/2 cup of yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 3 cups of flour
Preparation
Follow these steps to make Arabic bread:
1. Mix the yeast, sugar, and water in a medium bowl. Stir well and leave it in a warm place for 10 minutes to activate the yeast.
2. Whisk the yogurt, olive oil, and salt in another bowl.
3. Then turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it for 4 minutes until the dough is smooth and not sticky. Roll the dough by pressing it gently and sprinkle more flour on the surface.
4. Then divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and sprinkle them with some flour. Then cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for 15 minutes. Then roll the dough into flat breads.
5. Heat a flat pan over medium heat. Then place the breads on the pan and brush the top with oil for a minute. Then flip the bread and brush it with oil. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
6. Place the bread on a serving plate and sprinkle it with the remaining parsley. You can keep it in a clean towel or a bread box. You can steam it a little before eating to make it soft or heat it in the microwave.
Benefits of Arabic Bread
Arabic bread is not only delicious, but also nutritious and healthy. Here are some of the benefits of eating Arabic bread:
It is rich in complex carbohydrates, which provide energy and fiber for digestion.
It is low in fat and calories, which can help with weight management and cholesterol levels.
It is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles and tissues.
It contains vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, calcium, and magnesium, which support various bodily functions and immunity.
It is versatile and can be eaten with different fillings, dips, salads, soups, and stews.
How to Serve Arabic Bread
Arabic bread can be enjoyed in many ways, depending on your preference and taste. Here are some of the common ways to serve Arabic bread:
Cut it into wedges and dip it in hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, or other sauces.
Stuff it with falafel, shawarma, kebab, cheese, or vegetables and make a sandwich or a wrap.
Toast it and sprinkle it with za’atar, sesame seeds, or other spices and herbs.
Use it as a base for pizza, cheese, or meat pies.
Make bread pudding, french toast, or other desserts with it.