Zahtar or Za Atar Pita
Transform your kitchen into a Middle Eastern bakery with this aromatic Zahtar or Za’atar Pita recipe, perfect for fans of homemade bread and bold, earthy flavors. These soft, pillowy pita breads are topped with a vibrant za’atar spice blend mixed with olive oil, creating a savory paste that infuses every bite with a tangy, nutty essence. With a simple dough made from pantry staples and a quick rise time, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and flavor. Baked to golden perfection in just 10 minutes, these za’atar pitas are ideal for serving with hummus, baba ganoush, or even as a stand-alone snack. Whether for a dinner party or a cozy homemade meal, this recipe is your gateway to Middle Eastern culinary bliss!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dough)
- 3 tablespoons za'atar spice blend
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for topping)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a baking stone or heavy baking sheet in the oven to heat.
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten and roll out into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
In a small bowl, mix the za'atar spice blend with the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil to form a paste.
Transfer each rolled-out dough circle onto a piece of parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of the za'atar paste on top of each circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
Carefully transfer the pitas (on the parchment paper) onto the preheated baking stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops are slightly puffed.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Za'atar pitas are great on their own or enjoyed with your favorite Middle Eastern dips like hummus or baba ganoush.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2001 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 74.7 g | 96% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.4 g | 52% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2392 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 290.6 g | 106% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.7 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.0 g | ||
| Protein | 44.4 g | 89% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 141 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 21.5 mg | 119% | |
| Potassium | 664 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
