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1
Combine the water, oil, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
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2
Stir in 1/2 cup of the flour and the yeast.
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3
Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to make a soft dough.
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4
Knead on a lightly floured work surface for 5 minutes, adding more flour as necessary, until the dough is smooth.
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5
Shape into a ball.
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6
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
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7
Cover with plastic wrap and let stand about 1 hour in a warm place until doubled in volume.
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8
Briefly knead the dough until smooth.
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9
Cut the dough into 8 pieces.
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10
Roll each into a thin oval shape, about 8in (20cm) long.
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11
Brush 2 large baking sheets with oil.
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12
Place 4 ovals onto each sheet.
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13
Cover with oiled plastic wrap and let stand in a warm place for about 20 minutes until the dough has risen slightly.
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14
Preheat oven to 425F (220C).
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15
Brush the tops of the ovals lightly with oil.
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16
Bake for about 10 minutes, until puffed and golden.
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17
Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
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18
Serve warm.
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19
Variation:
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20
Spiced Pitas: Before baking, sprinkle with lightly crushed coriander, cumin, or fennel seeds for a fragrant version, or add 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds to the dough during the second kneading.
