Greek Pita Spread Recipes

THE EASIEST HOMEMADE PITA BREAD RECIPE!

Steps:

• To prepare this pitta bread recipe add in a mixer's bowl the yeast, sugar and water and blend to dissolve the yeast. Set aside for 5-10 minutes until yeast froths.
• Add the flour and salt and mix using the dough hook for 6-8 minutes. Alternatively you could mix the ingredients by hand.
• Depending on the flour used, the dough may need a little bit less or more flour than this pita bread recipe calls for. After mixing for a while the dough for your pita bread should become an elastic ball and a bit sticky.
• When ready, coat the dough with olive oil, place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. Let it sit in a warm place, for at least 20 minutes or until it doubles its size. This is an important step for this pita bread recipe. The first proof makes the pita bread fluffy and soft. If it is winter, turn the oven on for a minute or two, until it's a little warm, switch it off and then let the dough rise in it.
• Take the dough out of the bowl and gently deflate with your hands. Use just a tiny bit of flour to help you if it is too sticky. Split into 6 evenly sized balls around145g/ 5 oz. each.
• Let the pita bread balls rest for 15 minutes before shaping. This is the second proof and will allow your dough to relax and become easier to shape.
• To form the pita bread, you can either use a rolling pin, or stretch it with your hands, about 20cm in diameter. A rolling pin will make a crunchier pita, while hand stretching a softer, fluffier one. If the dough springs back, set it aside for a few minutes to rest and then continue rolling again.
• For a more traditional look on your pita bread, press the dough firmly with your fingertips forming dimples or use a fork to make some holes on top.
• , heat a non-sticking frying pan to medium heat and add just a little bit of olive oil and wipe off any excess. Bake each pita bread for about 3 minutes on each side, until slightly coloured and still soft. If your pan has a lid, place the lid on while baking them to keep the moisture in.
• use the steam method. Cut a piece of aluminium foil to the size of your pan. Generously sprinkle and spread some olive oil on it. Shape and place your pita on the foil. Pour a large glug of water in your plan over medium low heat - it should start steaming immediately! Place your pita immediately in it and cover with the lid. Let it steam for 12-15 minutes. Take it out, flip it over and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the foil.
• To give it more colour, when you flip your pita bread, push it lightly with a wooden spoon on the pan.

HOMEMADE PITA BREAD - GREEK FLATBREAD RECIPE

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl whisk together all of the ingredients except of flour.
• Start incorporating the flour into the mixture while mixing the dough with your hands.
• Depending on the strength of the flour you're using you may need to add a bit less or a bit more. Knead the dough for a minute or two until it feels very soft but without leaving fragments on your hands.
• Shape dough into a ball, cover with a tea towel and rest at room temperature for 2 hours.
• With a knife or dough cutter, divide the dough into 6 pieces.
• Shape each piece into a ball.
• Lightly flour your working surface, take the first dough ball and roll on all sides (flip it once) until you have a 19 cm / 7.4 inch round flatbread.
• Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Dip some paper towel into a bit of oil (I prefer olive oil) and lightly grease the bottom of the pan.
• Add the first flatbread and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side (don't let the pan get smoky hot remove from heat to cool if so). Flip the flatbread using a flat spatula.
• You may add flatbreads on top of each other creating a pile until you're finished making them. This way they won't air dry and stay more "elastic" if you're planning to use them as wraps.

MELITZANOSALATA RECIPE

Steps:

• Keep the eggplant whole and pierce with a fork in a few places.
• Smoke the eggplant. Place the eggplant over a gas flame, grill or under a broiler, and cook, turning around using a pair of tongs, until the skin is fully charred, and the eggplant is quite tender.
• Cool and drain eggplant. Place the eggplant in a bowl and set aside until cool enough to handle (a bowl is helpful because the eggplant will release some juices). Peel the charred skins off and discard. Cut the eggplant into chunks and place in a colander to get rid of any remaining excess juices (about 10 more minutes).
• Transfer the eggplant to a mixing bowl. Add the garlic, onion, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil. Add salt and pepper and spices (if using). Mix to combine and use your fork to break up the eggplant into smaller chunks.
• At this point, if you have the time, it's a good idea to cover and chill the eggplant dip in the fridge for a few brief minutes.
• Transfer the eggplant dip to a serving plate and spread. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil. Arrange Garnish with lemon zest, parsley, red onions, olives, a sprinkle of feta. Serve with crusty bread or pita bread.

GREEK LAYER DIP

Steps:

• For the pita chips. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Slice the pita in half through the pocket, then into chip-size triangles. Lay the pita wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush with the melted butter, then season with the sumac and some salt and pepper.
• Bake, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until browned and crispy, 8 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool on the baking sheet.
• For the dip: Combine the picante peppers, olives and red and yellow bell peppers in a small bowl. Season with the oregano and toss with the olive oil and vinegar.
• Spread half of the Baba Ghanoush on the bottom of a 10-inch square baking dish. Top with half of the pepper mixture. Top the pepper mixture with half of the Tzatziki. Repeat with the remaining Baba Ghanoush, pepper mixture and Tzatziki. Top with the tomatoes, feta and parsley. Sprinkle with the sumac and serve with the pita chips.
• Preheat the oven or a grill to 400 degrees F.
• Roast the eggplant, rotating once or twice during roasting, until soft, 30 to 45 minutes in the oven or 20 to 25 minutes on the grill. Transfer to a bowl, cover and let cool until cool enough to handle. Peel off the skin and discard.
• Combine the eggplant, mayonnaise, feta, garlic and salt and pepper to taste in a food processor. Blend, while streaming in the olive oil, until pureed and smooth. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate.
• Combine the yogurt, cucumber, dill, mint, lemon juice and salt in a bowl and refrigerate until serving time.

GREEK PITA SPREAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream and vinaigrette until blended. Spread onto a large serving plate or two pie plates. Layer with olives, tomatoes, onion, peppers, cucumber and cheese. Serve with pita breads.

GREEK LAYERED DIP WITH PITA CRISPS

Steps:

• The day before you want to serve the dip, take your yoghurt and put it into a mesh strainer you have lined with 3 or 4 coffee filters. (you may also line it with damp cheese cloth) Set the strainer in the sink and allow it to drain overnight. The whey will drip out of the yogurt, leaving a smooth, creamy cheese similar in texture to cream cheese or neufchatel. Stir in the red onion and minced chives and set aside.(Alternatively you can use 1 8-oz container of chives and onion cream cheese spread).
• Put the chickpeas, garlic, tahini, olive oil and lemon in a food processor. Process until almost smooth (You may need a few extra TBS of water or lemon juice to loosen it) Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Heat oven to 350*F. Carefully split each pita bread into 2 rounds. Cut each round into 6 wedges; brush with olive oil and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Sprinkle with garlic powder.
• Bake 5 to 7 minutes or until crisp and golden brown. Cool while making dip.
• In a 10 inch pie pan, spread the yoghurt cheese mixture. Drop small spoonfuls of chickpea mixture even over, spreading evenly. Top with remaining ingredients in order listed.
• Serve with pita crisps.
• Note: to make ahead, dip can be refrigerated up to 2 hours.

EASY GREEK FETA DIP

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Greek seasoning and the balsamic vinegar. Add chopped tomatoes and toss to coat well.
• Place the tomatoes in a serving dish, then crumble the feta cheese over top. Sprinkle with the green onions. Toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with remaining Greek seasoning and drizzle with additional olive oil, if desired. Top with fresh chopped parsley.
• Serve with pita bread, pita chips or baguette slices.

EASY GREEK PITA APPETIZERS TO MAKE THIS SPRING

Steps:

• Place the Feta, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper in a small food processor and process until fairly smooth.
• Add the extra virgin olive oil in a slow, steady stream while continuing to pulse (you may need more or less olive oil, depending on the consistency you desire). Taste and adjust the seasoning.
• Refrigerate for at least an hour. Bring to room temperature, stir again and serve.
• Gather all the toppings to assemble the Greek pita appetizers.
• Lightly toast the pita bread, cut into wedges, and set aside.
• Spread some whipped Feta cheese spread on each pita.
• For the salmon-topped pita wedges. Using a vegetable peeler, cut a baby cucumber into ribbons and then slice a few baby radishes with a very sharp knife. Place on the pita wedges. Top with thin slices of smoked salmon, a few fresh dill sprigs, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• For the tomato and cucumber-topped pita wedges. In a small bowl, toss a few heirloom cherry tomato halves, baby cucumber slices, chopped Kalamata olives, sliced shallots, olive oil and oregano. Top the pita wedges with the mixture and sprinkle with some sea salt.
• For the radish and edamame-topped pita wedges. Slice a couple of baby radishes very thinly and place them on the pita wedges. Top with cooked edamame, minced red onion, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.