Stuffed Pita

This recipe is for a delicious and versatile dish called Half-Open Mediterranean Pitas. These pitas are a popular street treat found throughout the eastern Mediterranean and are perfect for lunch or a snack. They can also be served as appetizers at parties or picnics, and they taste great at room temperature. The beauty of this recipe is that you can use any leftover meat, chicken, vegetable, or bean dish as the filling, making it a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers. The recipe makes 6 large pitas and takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare if you use premade dough.

MAKES: 6 large pitas

TIME: 20 minutes with premade dough

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 recipe pita dough (preceding recipe)
• 2 cups crumbled feta or blue cheese
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, softened
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup snipped fresh dill
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Lightly toasted sesame seeds (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in the pita dough recipe.
2. In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta or blue cheese, softened butter, eggs, and most of the snipped fresh dill. Add a generous sprinkling of black pepper and stir everything together until well combined.
3. When you reach Step 5 in making the pita dough, take each disk of dough and place a portion of the filling mixture on top, leaving the sides partially open. The traditional shape of the filled pita is longer than it is wide, somewhat boat-shaped, but you can make any shape you prefer.
4. Sprinkle the remaining fresh dill and a few sesame seeds on top of each pita.
5. Bake the pitas in the preheated oven as instructed in the pita dough recipe, but for a slightly longer duration, approximately 10 minutes.
6. Once baked, you can enjoy the half-open pitas either hot or at room temperature.

TIPS:

• Since this recipe relies on simple flavors, it’s essential to use fresh and flavorful ingredients like good-quality feta or blue cheese, fresh dill, and freshly ground black pepper. This will enhance the overall taste of the pitas.
• While the recipe suggests using leftover meat, chicken, vegetable, or bean dishes as the filling, you can also experiment with other ingredients. Consider using cooked ground meat, sautéed vegetables, or even a combination of different cheeses. The key is to ensure that the filling is well-seasoned and flavorful.
• When placing the filling on the dough disks, make sure to leave the sides partially open, creating a boat-like shape. This way, the filling will be partially enclosed and baked right into the dough. Be careful not to overfill the pitas, as it may cause them to burst open during baking.
• Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top of the pitas before baking. This will add a subtle nutty flavor and a nice visual appeal. However, if you don’t have sesame seeds on hand or prefer to omit them, the pitas will still taste delicious without them.
• Keep an eye on the pitas while they’re baking to ensure they achieve a golden brown color. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s recommended to check them around the suggested baking time and extend it slightly if needed. The pitas should be fully cooked and the filling should be hot and melted.
• Half-Open Mediterranean Pitas are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or accompanied by various condiments. Consider serving them with tzatziki sauce, hummus, or a side salad to complement the flavors and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, it’s best to use an oven or toaster oven to maintain the crispness of the pita bread and ensure the filling is warmed through.

These Half-Open Mediterranean Pitas are a delightful combination of flavorful fillings and soft, baked dough. Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal or an appetizer to share with friends and family, these pitas are sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings and shapes to suit your preferences. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean right in your own kitchen!