Pita bread

I used to cook this in schools with the first-year students, so I know it’s a great recipe to get the children involved in.

Although bread is usually accepted by fussy eaters, changing up the type is a great way to introduce something a little new.

My boys thought these were amazing – I’m not sure why but I haven’t cooked them for years.

My younger teen said they were the best bread I’ve baked, and my older teen declared them way better than store bought. YES!

They are a bit of a faff to make but there are some great lessons in there too, like dough rising and the way it puffs up in a hot oven.

Recipe

(Makes 8 pitas so an halve if experimenting )
2 tsp yeast
½ tsp sugar
3 ¼ cups of flour (I used whole meal)
1 tsp salt
2 Tbs olive oil (I used light tasting)
In a bowl add 1 cup lukewarm water, the yeast and ½ cup flour. Stir to combine.
Put in a warm place for approx. 15 mins until frothy
Add salt, olive oil and the rest of the flour (bar ½ cup)
Mix it all together.
Knead for a minute, adding a little more flour if very sticky (I cheat and add a splash of oil to the base of the bowl to stop it sticking).
Knead for a further 2 mins.
Cover and let rest for 10 mins.
Knead another 2 mins, adding a little flour if necessary (I find putting it on the hands best)
Cover with tight plastic and then a tea towel.
Place in a warm place for approx. 1 hour so it doubles in size
Heat the oven to 245˚ (yes, it needs to be super hot)
On the bottom shelf place a heavy duty baking sheet, a pizza stone or a big cast iron pan
Divide the dough into 8 balls.
Cover with a damp cloth and leave 10 mins.
Roll out one into a disc approx. 20 cm wide and 3 cm thick.
Place in the oven on the tray/stone/pan
Leave for approx. 2 mins on one side (it should puff up)
Flip with tongs and cook a further min.
It should be pale with a few brown speckles
Store under a warm towel
Bake the rest of the breads
(Recipe adapted from Baking Mad – with thanks)

This recipe has been included by Twinkl among their top picks for 7+ Healthy Lunch Box Ideas for Vegetarian October.

Judith is an AOTA accredited picky eating advisor and internationally certified nutritional therapist. She works with 100+ families every year resolving fussy eating and returning pleasure and joy to the meal table.
She is also mum to two boys and the author of Creating Confident Eaters and Winner Winner I Eat Dinner. Her dream is that every child is able to approach food from a place of safety and joy, not fear.
Learn more about Judith here: https://theconfidenteater.com/about/