Pita

Directions

1. 1
   Place the yeast and water in a dishpan or large mixing bowl and stir with a wooden spoon.
2. 2
   Add the salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour and continue to stir, adding more flour a little at a time, until the dough is easy to handle.
3. 3
   Knead for 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and shiny.
4. 4
   Shape into a ball.
5. 5
   Spread a little oil on the bottom and sides of the bowl.
6. 6
   Add the ball of dough, then turn it over, oiled side up.
7. 7
   Cover and set in a warm spot for about 50 minutes, or until the dough doubles in bulk.
8. 8
   Lightly oil a large baking sheet and set aside.
9. 9
   Punch down the risen dough and cut in half, then cut each half into 4 equal pieces (for a total of 8).
10. 10
    Form each piece into a ball and let rest for 10 minutes.
11. 11
    On a floured board, roll out each ball of dough into a 1/4-inch-thick circle.
12. 12
    (Dont be concerned if your circles are irregular; the handmade look is part of their charm.)
13. 13
    Place the circles on the prepared baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let rise 30 to 40 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.
14. 14
    Place in a preheated 475F oven and bake about 15 minutes, or until the pitas have just started to brown.
15. 15
    Remove from the oven and cover the pitas with a clean kitchen towel (to keep them soft as they cool).
16. 16
    They will lose their puffiness, but when you carefully split one open, you will find a pouch in the center.