I always keep a bag of whole wheat pita rounds in the freezer for last minute lunches; they can be stuffed with salad, eaten with hummus and vegetables, or even topped with avocado and egg. But how to transform a rock-hard piece of frozen pita into a soft, warm pocket? Here's a method that is fast and foolproof.
On a gas stove, turn the flame on medium-low and place the frozen pita directly on the burner. Flip it and move it around every 5-10 seconds to ensure it heats evenly and doesn't burn. (I just use my hands, but you could certainly use tongs.) It usually takes less than a minute to take the bread from totally frozen to warm, pliable and a little crusty.
I learned this technique from my childhood best friend's mother, who was a stellar cook originally from Lebanon. Years before I cooked or cared about the best way to heat flatbread, I knew there was no better after school snack than a freshly-warmed piece of pita and a bowl of her inimitable hummus.
What are your favorite ways to eat pita bread for lunch?
Related: How to Make Easy Homemade Pita Bread
(Image: Anjali Prasertong)
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I am so glad to see someone else who does this! I actually like a tiny burnt spot or two on the surface, though.
I also reheat wheat tortillas using this method. For corn tortillas, into a pan over high heat dry (no oil, butter, anything).
Been doing this for years. A Hispanic co-worker said it works even better if you put a small rack over the burner--she was right. Helps the pita or tortilla hear more evenly.
This works for tortillas to. Even frozen ones. They come out perfectly. Turn up the heat for a little smoky char.
This:
http://www.amazon.com/Lodge-L8DOT3-Pre-Seasoned-Cast-Iron-Trivet/dp/B00063RXKQ
Isn't it going to get crowded if we all come over to do this on your gas stove? ;)
Another reason to wish for a gas range.
What if you have an electric range?
This was always how my father did it. I love the little burnt spots. Yum!
But I don't have a gas stove now, so the oven (or skillet) it is.
I love doing this with any flat bread (naan, roti, tortillas, pita), the little burnt spots are wonderful!
What are the best methods with those who aren't blessed with a gas range? :(
I just stick mine in the toaster :-) Only thing is to watch out for the steam trying to escape out the top when I pull them out!
Good catch! Fixed that. :)
Works great for frozen naan as well, just pull it straight out from the freezer and onto a low flame. Doesn't seem like it should work, but it does! Also, we like to let it get a little charred in spots, it's delicious!
I do this on an electric stove top too. Just be careful keep your eyes on it
I used to love doing this on my gas stove with both tortillas and pita bread; loved the little charred, blackened spots. But actually, I learned to do the same thing in my first apartment with friends and we only had an electric stove so it can work either way.
But...my stove now is one of those ceramic countertop ones. It never occurred to me to try and it now. As long as I keep an eye on it, don't see why it wouldn't work.
Great tip! I'm all about using pita as the best dipping vessel for hummus for a quick snack =)