Pita bread has numerous uses in the culinary world.
Pita bread is a versatile bread used mostly in Middle Eastern cuisine. This bread is known for the "pocket" that is created from steam when the bread is baked in the oven. Pita bread can be used in a variety of ways from sandwiches to chips to creating bread crumbs. The next time you are at the store, pick up some pita bread and find the many uses of this pocket bread.
Appetizers and Snacks
Pita bread can be turned into delicious chips at home. Take a few pieces of pita bread and simply slice them into triangles or strips and place on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and any desired spices and bake in a 450 degree Fahrenheit oven for up to 10 minutes until the chips are crisp and golden in color. Use pita chips or fresh pita bread in place of a spoon for eating things like beans, hummus, chopped salads or cottage cheese.
Lunch Options
A sandwich does not have to be created with two slices of bread. Use a pita pocket to stuff your typical sandwich contents inside. Sandwiches that typically fall apart easily such as crab salad, egg salad or tuna sandwiches work well in pitas because they keep the contents inside as you eat them. Rather than using a bun for your next hot dog or hamburger, use pita bread instead. Simply fold the bread around a hamburger and the usual fixings or around a hot dog and use it like you would a regular bun.
Dinner Options
Pita bread is not just for sandwiches or dips, it can also be used in the next dinner meal you create. Fondue, for example, is a dish typically made with cheese, spices and liquid that is heated to a molten state in a fondue pot. Items like meats, vegetables and bread can be dipped into this and eaten. Use pita bread pieces (fresh or stale) to sop up the fondue for your next fondue dipping party. Pita bread can be used to create pizzas as well. Use pita bread in its whole form and lay it out on a baking sheet. With pizza sauce, cheese and any toppings create a pizza on top of your pita bread and place it in a 350 degree F oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted and the edges of the pita are golden brown. Brush the edges of the pita with olive oil before baking to have a crispier crust.
When Pita Bread Goes Stale
Pita bread is just like any other bread when it comes to turning stale. If you have stale pita bread pieces on hand, do not throw them out. You can create bread crumbs from stale pita bread by placing it in your food processor with herbs and spices. Grind the mixture until you have something that resembles bread crumbs. If you are in the mood for making a salad but do not have croutons, take stale pita bread chunks and bake it in the oven with a light brush of olive oil and spices at 450 degrees F. Bake until the pieces are crispy and golden brown. Cool them and use on your salads as you would a regular crouton.
Tags: bread crumbs, bread used, stale pita, baking sheet, bread just
