Kapsız – Herb Pita Recipe

Kapsız – Herb Pita Recipe

Undoubtedly, the dish known as “herb pita” is a traditional dough creation that belongs to Turkish cuisine. It is particularly popular in the Thrace region and its surrounding areas. Here is some general information about “herb pita”:

1. Origin and Regional Prevalence: Herb pita is a frequently enjoyed dish, especially in Turkey’s Thrace region. It can also be referred to by various names in different parts of Thrace.
2. Ingredients: Herb pita is typically made using fresh spring herbs, onions, red pepper flakes, and similar ingredients. The dough is generously filled with finely chopped fresh greens.
3. Preparation: The dough is usually prepared from basic ingredients like flour, water, and salt. The dough is rolled out and topped with fresh greens. Among these greens, you can find fresh spring onions, Swiss chard, spinach, and a variety of spring herbs.
4. Baking: The prepared dough and greens mixture is placed in the oven and baked until the top turns golden brown. Baking it in the oven ensures a crispy texture for the bottom layer of the dough.
5. Flavor and Presentation: Herb pita boasts a rich flavor enhanced by the aroma of fresh spring herbs. The blend of crispy dough and greens results in a natural and healthy delicacy from Turkish cuisine. It is usually served hot.
6. Varieties: Herb pita can be prepared with different types of spring herbs. Depending on the variety of herbs used and personal preferences, various flavors can be achieved.
7. Tradition and Culture: These types of dough creations reflect the richness and diversity of Turkish cuisine. Prepared by utilizing the natural resources of the region, this dish is a reflection of regional flavors and traditions.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 bunch fresh spring onions
• 1 bunch tender spinach
• 1 bunch tender Swiss chard
• 1 bunch stinging nettle
• 1 bunch dandelion greens
• 1/2 bunch wild celery
• 10-12 leaves fresh mint
• 1 coffee cup of vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Dough:

• 3 cups flour
• 2 cups lukewarm water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet baking powder
• 1 tea cup vegetable oil

Making Herb Pita:

1. Finely chop all the greens and mix them in a bowl, excluding the fresh spring onions.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan and lightly sauté the onions first.
3. Then, gently and without burning, sauté the greens with a pinch of salt until they soften.
4. Add the red pepper flakes, stir, then turn off the heat and allow to cool.
5. In a large bowl, begin preparing the pita dough. For this, combine water, salt, and vegetable oil in the mixing bowl and whisk thoroughly.
6. Gradually add flour while stirring with a whisk until you achieve a slightly denser consistency than cake batter. Add more water if necessary.
7. Once you incorporate the cooled spring greens into the dough, it will become slightly runnier, resembling cake batter. Keep this in mind.
8. Pour the dough into a greased medium-sized baking tray and spread it evenly to create a layer no more than two fingers thick.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius until the top becomes nicely golden. Due to the greens within the dough, the baking time can extend to around an hour. Monitor the baking process regularly to determine the exact cooking time.
10. Let the baked pita rest under a cloth cover, then slice it into individual square portions.

Enjoy your meal!