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Hummus Elite
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Sunday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM /
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM /
Saturday: Closed / 201.569.5600
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Pita
Bread in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cuisine
Pita bread is a round piece of bread with a pocket created
by puffs of steam during the baking process. This unique
bread is widely consumed in the Middle East and the
Mediterranean countries as well as Turkey, India and
the Arabian Peninsula. Traditionally baked in very hot
brick ovens, pita bread (Arabian name khubz), is made
from wheat and slightly leavened, which allows the bread
to create the hole for which it is famous. Written evidence
of Arabs making khubz dates back to the 10th century
and is found in a cookbook called the Kitab al-Tabikh.
How Pita Bread is Used
Pita bread is used in a variety of ways, such as a scoop
for dips and sauces (especially hummus) and a wrap for
falafel, kebabs and gyros. It is usually baked quickly
at 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius) in order
for the layers of dough to dramatically rise while baking.
When taken out of the oven, pita bread layers stay separated,
providing the cook with pockets in which to place different
kinds of stuffings.
Turkish pita bread is called pide, a word that also
defines a pizza-like dish make of the same kind of dough.
Pita bread made in Turkey experiences regional differences
that cause Turkish pita bread to vary in size, shape,
ingredients and baking method. One variation is the
crunchy, seasoned pita chip, which is a piece of baked,
crisp pita bread that can be used as a substitute for
tortilla chips.
In Egypt, Israel and Palestine, it is customary to place
just about all food in a pita for consumption. Popular
pita foods in these countries are lamb, hummus, Molokhia
(Corchorus leaves), chicken shawarma, falafel, kebab
and an omelette made from tomatoes and eggs called shakshouka.
A Middle Eastern eggplant dip called baba ghanoush is
a popular dip blending a rich and smoky flavor with
the soft, yeasty texture of pita bread. Ingredients
of baba ghanoush include eggplant, minced garlic, lemon
juice, salt and tahini.
Shawarma is another favorite pita stuffing, often referred
to as the Middle Eastern “taco”. Shawarma
contains:
• Chicken, beef
or lamb
• Minced garlic
• Pepper
• Ground cloves,
nutmeg, cardamon and allspice
• Lemon juice
or vinegar
• Yogurt
A spicy variation of the traditional pita bread recipe
is also found throughout the Middle East that uses a
combination of ingredients called za’tar. Ingredients
such as thyme, oregano, sumac, roasted sesame seeds,
olive oil, marjoram and coarse salt are mixed with regular
pita bread ingredients. Salads are also frequently eaten
with za’tar pita bread.
Nutritional Value of Pita Bread
As a grain-based, low-fat food, pita bread is considered
highly nutritious, providing iron, several important
B vitamins and protein. Wheat contains complex carbohydrates
and fiber which are vital energy sources utilized by
the body. One large pita has about 160 calories but
does not possess the empty calories found in white bread.
Depending on what is stuffed into a pita, this bread
can be an excellent addition to any low-calorie, heart-healthy
diet. |
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