Easy Homemade Pita Bread

Directions

1. 1
   In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the yeast, water, sugar, and 3 cups of the flour to form a sponge.
2. 2
   Let the sponge rest for 10 minutes.
3. 3
   Mix in the salt and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil.
4. 4
   Add the remaining 3 cups of flour a little at a time until the dough forms a nice ball. Knead on a medium speed for 5 minutes. It should get nice and smooth, shiny, and elastic.
5. 5
   Use the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to oil a large bowl.
6. 6
   Roll the dough in the oil, put it in the bowl, cover with a towel and let rise for 2 hours.
7. 7
   Preheat an oven to 500 degrees with a baking stone (if you don't have one, just put a baking sheet in the middle).
8. 8
   Divide the dough into 12 pieces.
9. 9
   Roll into 8-inch rounds.
10. 10
    Let the rounds rise for 20 min. Just before cooking, roll each piece out into an 8-inch circle.
11. 11
    Cook in batches 2 at a time on the baking stone. They should puff up and brown in 3-5 minutes.
12. 12
    Remove from the oven and wrap them in a clean dish towel and put them in a plastic bag to keep them soft and pliable.