Stuff a dressing-lined pita with fresh veggies for a healthy snack.
Pita bread originated in the Middle East as a convenient, inexpensive and portable street food served with meats and vegetables. Today, pita bread has expanded into a variety of culinary arenas including pizza, sandwiches and health food. Not surprisingly, this versatile alternative to everyday bread makes an inventive addition to any meal.
Pita as Pizza Dough
Spread marinara sauce or fresh tomato slices on top of the pita. You can also stuff the tomatoes or sauce inside the pita envelope by slicing a 5-inch opening at the top. Sprinkle cheese on top or stuff it inside the pita pocket. Place your pita pizza on a cookie sheet and bake until the bread is crisp and tender. The only drawback to stuffing your pizza inside the pita pocket is that the ingredients might clump and bake unevenly.
Pita Bread Sandwiches
Use pita bread instead of regular bread for a sandwich that you won't need to worry about squishing. Peanut butter and jelly in a pita is a kid-friendly treat without the crusts. Slice open the entire pita and spread peanut butter on one side and jelly on the other. Fold the pita back together and serve. For a healthier, adult-friendly sandwich choice, make a veggie sandwich. Slice off the top quarter of the pita pocket and spread salad dressing or mayonnaise on the bread inside. Stuff the pita pouch with low-fat meat and fresh veggies like spinach, tomatoes, onions and sweet peppers.
Pita Toast
Cut two pita pockets into single-layer triangles. Paint each piece with melted butter and place them on a cookie tray. Sprinkle oregano, chives and sea salt over all the pieces and cook in the oven until the pita is a crispy golden brown. Experiment with different glazes and seasonings, like olive oil and chili pepper, or butter with cinnamon and sugar.
Pita Wraps
Make a wrap using both layers of the pita pocket as a single flat-bread or by separating the layers for two individual wraps. Place meat, cheese and veggies in the center of the pita bread. Roll the pita into a scroll and secure the shape with a few toothpicks. Warm the rolled pita in the oven until the bread softens or crisps.
Tags: pita pocket, inside pita, fresh veggies, inside pita pocket, oven until, pita bread