This versatile flat bread is so much more than just a good-to-go pizza base.
1. Pita nachos
Split pita breads in 2 rounds. Spray with oil and sprinkle with Mexican spice mix, smoked paprika or ground cumin. Cut in triangles and spread on a baking tray. Bake in a 200°C oven for 5-8 minutes until crispy. Serve with chilli mince, kidney beans, avocado, reduced-fat sour cream and salad greens.
2. Pita salad baskets
Split small pita breads in 2 rounds and push into the holes of a large muffin tray or into small ovenproof bowls. Spray with oil and bake in oven for 5-10 minutes until brown and crisp. Transfer to plates and fill with salad greens, chilli beans, grilled chicken, tomatoes and salsa for a Mexi-style salad in an edible bowl (kids especially love this).
3. Pita mince stack
Split pita breads in 2 rounds and layer with mince, spinach, reduced-fat cheese and tomato passata to make a stack. Sprinkle a little cheese on top and bake for 15 minutes. Rest a few minutes before slicing. Serve with a salad.
4. Pita beany roll-ups
Spread split pita bread rounds with chilli beans. Cover half the pita with salad ingredients, cooked meat or chicken, and cottage cheese. Roll up and eat straight away or wrap in tinfoil and heat through in the oven. A tasty work or school lunch.
5. Pita pizzas
Split pita breads in 2 rounds and use as a quick and easy pizza base. Pile on your favourite vegetables, meat and sauces and sprinkle with cheese.
6. Pita croutons
Add toasted pita chunks to your next salad for a crunchy alternative to croutons. Especially nice in a Caesar-style salad or with grilled lamb and yoghurt dressing.
7. Salmon canapés
Split pita breads in 2 rounds and spread with reduced-fat sour cream and a little basil pesto. Place flaked smoked salmon on one half of the bread then roll up tightly. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes then cut in pinwheels to serve with drinks.
8. Pita crisps
For a healthy alternative to chips with dip, cut pita breads in small triangles and spray lightly with oil. Spread on a baking-paper covered tray and bake in a 180°C oven for 5-8 minutes until crisp. Sprinkle with flavourings such as chilli flakes, finely chopped garlic or Mexican spice mix if you prefer.
9. Pita hummus burgers
Cook your favourite burger patties on the barbecue. Fill pita pockets with salad greens, tomatoes, relish and hummus. Add burger patties and top with low-fat plain yoghurt.
10. Ham and egg pita pies
Split pita breads in 2 rounds and cut in half or quarter. Push pieces into the holes of a muffin tray. Place 1 tablespoon chopped ham and 1/4 chopped tomato into each shell then gently break 1 egg on top of each pie. Bake in a 180°C oven for 20-25 minutes until eggs are set.
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