Homemade Pita Bread Recipe

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast with the sugar in ¼ cup lukewarm water. Let sit for 15 minutes until frothy.In a separate large bowl, sift flour with the salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture plus 1 cup lukewarm water. Draw the flour from the sides and knead the mixture into a pliable dough.Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead some more until it is smooth and elastic. Pour a drop of oil into the bottom of a large bowl and roll the dough in it to coat the surface.Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and place in a warm place for at least 2 hours (or overnight), until the dough has doubled in size.Now, punch down the dough and knead again lightly.Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten the balls with the palm of your hand so that they resemble thick oval discs.Dust a clean cloth with flour and place the flattened oval discs of dough on top, leaving enough room to expand between them. Dust with flour and lay another clean cloth on top. Let rise for another 1-2 hrs.Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place several baking sheets in the oven to heat briefly. Lightly grease the warmed baking sheets with oil and place the bread oval discs on them. Sprinkle bread ovals very lightly with water, then place in oven to bake for 6-8 minutes until they are very lightly browned. Pitas should rise so that they are slightly hollow inside.Place the flat breads on a wire rack and serve while warm. Or let cool and then wrap them in a clean, dry cloth to keep soft.