1. In a large mixing bowl, add flour and make a well
2. Add yeast, ½ cup of the warm water, sugar, salt and oil
3. Mix with hands from the outside of the flour into the well, and continue to add water a little at a time, mixing until the dough comes together
4. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes (a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment can be used, and kneading time will be less)
5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a large bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it has doubled in size, 2½ - 3 hours
6. Cut dough into portions and roll out one portion at a time into an 8-10" log. Cut into portions and shape into rounds. Dust rounds with flour, cover with a towel and let rise for 10 minutes
7. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 500º
8. Dust each dough ball with flour again. Roll each round into 8" circles, about ¼" in thickness
9. Lay on baking sheets that have been lightly dusted with flour. Bake until they have began to puff up, and are lightly brown, 4-5 minutes (do not allow pitas to get golden brown). Turn over and bake an additional 3-4 minutes

Excerpted from: Breaking Bread: Recipes and Stories from Immigrant Kitchens by Lynne Christy Anderson