What’s the Difference Between Pita Bread, Naan and Tortillas?

Looking at the options between pita bread, naan and tortillas can be overwhelming when you go shopping at the grocery store. Although they look similar, there are some differences between each option. Each one can be used for specific foods since they have different characteristics.

Here are the differences between pita bread, naan and tortillas.

Pita Bread, Naan and Tortillas

If you need help deciding which option is best for your meal, this breakdown can help you figure it out. Below are the key differences between the three options.

Pita Bread

Pita bread comes from the Middle East and spread to other wheat-loving areas like Europe, Asia, Africa and many other regions of the world. Pita bread has only a few ingredients, combining flour, salt, water and yeast. The origin of the word “pita” comes from the Greek language.

Making pita bread is easy since it can be done in your oven at home. It is known to be tougher and drier, but when cut in half, the bread separates into two pockets. The opening is excellent for filling with meat, vegetables and sauces. It can resemble a sandwich, depending on what you put inside – many people like pita bread for dips and spreads, too.

Pita bread is on the softer side because of the yeast and since it is cooked in the oven. Its nutritional value sits at around 85 calories per pita. So, if you’re looking for lower-calorie options with less fat, pita is a good choice.

Naan

Naan originates from India, and the word comes from the Persian word “non,” meaning bread. It is unique since it has yogurt, milk, eggs or butter, depending on the desired texture. This leavened bread includes an Indian white flour that is delicate and powdery.

After the dough is made, it is formed into a ball so it can be slapped onto the wall of a tandoor clay oven. It is cooked in a way that encourages the bread to puff up and bubble. You can cook it in a skillet, but it does not capture the authentic version.

Naan can be stuffed or eaten flat. Many people enjoy it with soup or curry to soak up the goodness at the bottom of the bowl. Two pieces of naan are around 200 calories but are worth it to complete a meal.

Tortillas

Tortillas originated in Mexico and are best known for delicious Mexican cuisines like tacos and burritos. Since tortillas do not contain yeast, it does not rise while it cooks and can be made on a skillet.

They are an excellent option for people who need to follow a gluten-free diet or are diagnosed with other conditions like lymphedema, which advises you to stay away from gluten and grains. Tortillas made with corn instead of wheat are allowed on specific diets, unlike pita bread or naan.

Tortillas are very thin, which makes them great for enchiladas, chimichangas, burritos and tacos. They are not as soft since there is no yeast, so they make a great base for these dishes. Is pita bread or tortillas healthier? A tortilla’s calorie content is around 100 per piece, which puts it in the same ballpark as pitas.

Recipe Inspiration

After considering all the choices, try them in action. Here are some ideas to test out each of these delicious foods.

1. Breakfast Pita Pizza

This is an easy and delicious recipe when you’re ready to try pita bread. This breakfast “pizza” takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you want to speed up the process even more, buy grated cheese or do it the night before.

First, you will want to gather all your ingredients. You will need two pitas with mozzarella cheese, dried oregano, pepper flakes, baby spinach, eggs, salt, black pepper and finely grated parmesan cheese.

Heat your oven while sprinkling all your ingredients, leaving a small section to add your egg later. Crack the egg in the opening and bake for around seven minutes. Once it’s done, it is ready to eat.

2. Chana Masala

Chana masala is perfect for dipping naan into. This recipe calls for chickpeas, tomatoes, fried garlic, ginger, onion and chilis. Used puréed tomatoes to increase the richness. Combine the ingredients in a pot and cook for 30 minutes.

Once it’s cooked, you’ll have a flavorful, plant-based meal to eat with naan.

3. Chicken Enchiladas
Enchiladas are a great meal to make with tortillas. You will need avocado oil, diced onion, chicken breasts, green chiles, black pepper, black beans, flour tortillas, Mexican blend shredded cheese and enchilada sauce.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In the meantime, prepare your sauce with a pan on medium-high heat. Add onion for three minutes while stirring occasionally. Add chicken and green chiles with seasonings. Sauté until the chicken is cooked thoroughly, then add beans and stir until combined.

Assemble the enchiladas by laying out tortillas, spreading the sauce on the top and adding a spoonful of the chicken mixture in a line. Sprinkle the cheese and roll it up to place on your baking sheet. Spread the remaining sauce on top. Bake for 20 minutes, then enjoy once they’re nice and warm.

The Bottom Line

The difference between pita and naan and tortillas might not seem significant, but they’re used for different reasons. Each one has a unique origin and pairs well with specific types of food. They’re all delicious options, though, no matter what turns out to be your favorite.