Frederic Melton
Pita bread is a famous Middle Eastern flatbread that has become a staple in many cultures. It is a versatile dish that can be served with an assortment of dips and spreads, such as hummus, or stuffed with meats, salads, and vegetables. Pitas can also be grilled, baked, or toasted, and stuffed with cheese to make a delicious snack or meal. While there are many types of cheese that can be used in pitas, such as mozzarella, feta, and cream cheese, this article will focus on how to add grated Parmesan cheese to warm pitas.
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What You'll Learn
Grating your own parmesan
There are several methods you can use to grate your own Parmesan:
- Microplane: This is a great option for grating small amounts of Parmesan. Simply run the cheese along the surface of the Microplane, and fine shreds of cheese will fall out the other side. This method is perfect for adding Parmesan to pasta or as a topping.
- Box Grater: A box grater is a good choice if you need a medium quantity of grated Parmesan (around 1-2 cups). Use the side of the box grater with smaller holes for a finer grate. This method is ideal for recipes that require emulsifying cheese, such as cacio e pepe.
- Food Processor: If you need to grate a large quantity of Parmesan, a food processor is the way to go. Chop the Parmesan into 1 to 1-1/2 inch pieces, add them to the food processor, and process until you achieve the desired texture. This method is convenient and saves time, especially if you grate a large batch and freeze it for later use.
When purchasing Parmesan, look for a big wedge of cheese from a reputable source. Avoid pre-grated Parmesan, especially the dried variety that comes in cardboard tube containers, as it tends to have little to no flavor.
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Adding parmesan to warm pitas
Pita bread is a famous Middle Eastern flatbread that has become a staple in many cultures. It is a versatile food that can be paired with various fillings, from salads to meats. When it comes to adding parmesan to warm pitas, there are a few things to consider to ensure the cheese melts properly and enhances the flavour of the pita.
Firstly, it is recommended to grate your own parmesan cheese from a block instead of using pre-grated cheese, as pre-grated cheese tends to clump together when added directly to sauces or other dishes. Grating your own cheese allows you to control the texture and ensure a smoother melt. Additionally, look for genuine parmesan cheese, preferably one with no corn starch, as this can impact the melting process.
When adding parmesan to warm pitas, consider using a combination of cheeses to create a balance of flavours and textures. For example, you can mix grated parmesan with shredded mozzarella and crumbled feta cheese, along with garlic powder, to create a Mediterranean-inspired filling. The saltiness of feta and the creaminess of mozzarella can complement the sharp flavour of parmesan.
To assemble the pita, warm the pita bread slightly so that it becomes pliable and easy to work with without breaking. Open up the pita pockets and stuff them with your desired fillings. In addition to cheese, you can add sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, basil pesto, or any other ingredients of your choice. Spread the fillings evenly across the pita, ensuring the parmesan is well-distributed, as it will melt and blend with the other flavours.
Once the pitas are stuffed, you can grill or bake them to melt the cheese and toast the bread. If grilling, brush both sides of the pita with extra virgin olive oil and place them on a grill pan over medium-high heat. Apply pressure with a heat-safe spatula to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, bake the stuffed pitas in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Serve the warm pitas with your favourite salad, soup, or dips such as hummus or tzatziki for a delicious and flavourful meal.
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Storing leftover pitas
Pita bread is best enjoyed fresh and hot out of the oven. However, storing leftover pitas is easy and can be done in a few ways.
Firstly, you can keep baked pitas in an airtight bag at room temperature for a few days. This method will keep the pita bread soft for around two days. Alternatively, you can store the pita bread in a bread box, which will also keep it soft for a similar duration.
If you wish to store leftover pitas for longer, freezing is a good option. Pita bread can be frozen for up to three months. Ensure you use freezer bags and don't refrigerate the pitas, as they will dry out.
Additionally, if you have leftover pita dough, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week.
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Reheating pitas
Oven
One of the best ways to heat up pitas is in an oven because the even, gentle heat preserves the bread's texture and doesn't dry it out. Preheat the oven to 350-375°F (175-191°C). Place the pita on a piece of foil set on a baking sheet. You can lightly brush the bread with olive oil or melted butter if you prefer a crispier texture. Heat the pita bread in the oven for about 3-5 minutes. For extra flavour, you can sprinkle some herbs or spices, such as garlic powder or za'atar, on top of the pita bread before heating.
Air Fryer
The air fryer is a fantastic option when reheating a large batch of pitas. Wrap the pitas in aluminium foil to prevent them from becoming too crispy. Set the air fryer to 380°F and heat for about 3-5 minutes. This method evenly warms the bread while maintaining its texture, making it perfect for parties or family dinners.
Stovetop/Skillet
When you only need to warm a pita or two, reheating it in a pan or skillet is a smart choice. Place the skillet on medium-high heat and preheat for 3-5 minutes. You can brush the pita bread with olive oil or melted butter if desired. This will enhance its flavour and give it a slight crispiness. Once the skillet is hot, place the pita bread on it. Allow it to cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until it becomes warm and slightly toasted. For a quick stovetop option, you can also use a skillet to steam your pita. Add a few drops of water to the pan and heat it over medium heat. Place the bread in the skillet and cover it with a lid for 10-15 seconds. The steam generated will soften the bread without making it soggy.
Microwave
This method is perfect for a quick, single serving. Simply dampen a paper towel and wrap it around the pita. Place it in the microwave and heat on high for 10-20 seconds. The moisture from the damp towel prevents the bread from drying out, keeping it soft and pliable. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the bread rubbery.
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Serving suggestions
Pita bread is a versatile flatbread that can be paired with various toppings and fillings. Here are some serving suggestions for adding grated Parmesan cheese to warm pitas:
Grilled Cheese Pitas:
- Spread feta cheese, basil pesto, wilted spinach, and sundried tomatoes on the bottom of a pita pocket.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Close the pita pocket and brush the outside with olive oil.
- Grill the pita sandwich on a grill pan or panini press until the cheese is melted and the pita is toasted.
Baked Cheese Pitas:
- Stir together shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, and garlic powder.
- Divide the cheese mixture into pita halves and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted.
- Serve with a side of tomatoes, cucumbers, and green onions tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette.
Herb Butter Pitas:
- Make an herb butter by melting butter in a pan and adding garlic and fresh herbs.
- Brush the herb butter onto freshly cooked warm pitas.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the herb butter.
Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pitas:
- Mix cream cheese with shredded apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Divide the apple cream cheese mixture between pita dough circles and seal the edges, forming balls.
- Cook the dough balls in a skillet until they are deep golden brown and puffed up.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the warm apple cinnamon pitas.
Mediterranean Mezes:
- Warm the pita bread and serve it with an assortment of Mediterranean dips such as feta cheese dip, tzatziki, and hummus.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the dips or directly onto the pita bread.
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