Homemade Pita Bread with Creamy Hummus

Homemade Pita Bread with Creamy Hummus

There’s nothing quite like the combination of warm, fluffy pita bread dipped into creamy, rich hummus. This guide will take you through the process of creating these delicious Middle Eastern staples at home. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger feast, this pairing is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Pita:

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup lukewarm water

For the Hummus:

• 1 can (15oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• 2 to 3 tablespoons water
• Paprika, for garnish (optional)
• Olive oil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Pita Bread:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in 1/4 cup warm water. Let it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, olive oil, salt, yeast mixture, and lukewarm water. Stir until a dough begins to form.
3. Place dough on a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 475°F (240°C) and place a baking stone or inverted baking sheet inside to heat up.
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Let the circles rest for about 20 minutes, while they slightly rise again.
8. Place the pitas onto the hot baking stone or sheet and bake for 3-4 minutes until they puff up and are lightly golden.
9. Wrap the baked pitas in a clean towel to keep them soft.

Hummus:

1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, and salt. Process until smooth.
2. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and continue processing until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Serve the hummus in a bowl, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with paprika if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your homemade pita with the hummus immediately for the best experience. You can also pair the pita bread with other dips, or use it to make pita pockets with your choice of fillings for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage Tips

Pita bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, or it can be frozen for longer storage. Hummus can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to a week.