Pita chips cava is a popular appetizer or snack made from pita bread that has been baked or fried into crisp, bite-sized pieces. Cava refers to the signature spices and seasonings that are used to flavor pita chips, transforming them from simple bread into a more interesting snack. So what exactly are the ingredients in pita chips cava that give them their signature taste?
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients in pita chips cava are relatively simple:
- Pita bread
- Olive oil or vegetable/canola oil
- Sea salt
- Spices and seasonings
Let’s take a closer look at each of these key ingredients:
Pita Bread
Pita bread acts as the base for pita chips. Traditional pita is a soft, slightly leavened flatbread made from wheat flour. It has a distinctive pocket or opening when baked correctly. To make pita chips, the pita rounds are cut or torn into smaller triangle or quadrilateral shaped pieces before baking.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is commonly used to lightly coat the pita pieces before seasoning and baking. The oil helps the seasonings adhere while also crisping and browning the pita as it bakes. Regular olive oil works well, while extra virgin olive oil will provide a fruitier, more distinctive taste.
Vegetable or Canola Oil
Some recipes call for vegetable, canola oil, or a neutral-tasting oil instead of olive oil. Any high heat cooking oil will work well to produce crispy pita chips.
Sea Salt
A light sprinkling of sea salt flavors the chips and enhances the other seasonings. Fine sea salt is best as it sticks well and distributes evenly over the oil-coated pita pieces.
Spices and Seasonings
This is where pita chips cava get their signature flavor. The exact spices and blends vary significantly by recipe, but often include:
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Ground cumin
- Dried oregano
- Chili powder
- Ground coriander
- Cayenne pepper
These spices add robust, aromatic flavor that complement the nuttiness of the toasted pita bread. The blend can be customized to preference by adjusting the amounts of each spice.
How Are Pita Chips Cava Made?
Making crunchy, flavorful pita chips cava is easy with just a few simple steps:
- Cut or tear pita bread into smaller pieces. Triangles, rectangles or squares will all work.
- Arrange pita pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t overlapping.
- Lightly brush both sides of each piece with olive oil or another vegetable oil.
- In a small bowl, combine desired spices like garlic powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, etc. Adjust amounts to taste preference.
- Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the pita pieces, coating both sides.
- Lightly sprinkle with sea salt.
- Bake at 400°F for 5-10 minutes until crisped and browned. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary.
- Allow to cool before serving for maximum crunch.
That’s it – easy homemade pita chips cava ready to enjoy in less than 30 minutes! The basic ingredients can be adjusted in many ways to create custom spice blends.
Variations
There are many possibilities when making flavored pita chips at home:
- Spices: Try different proportions of cumin, chili powder, curry powder, jerk seasoning, Italian seasoning blends, ranch seasoning, etc.
- Herbs: Dried parsley, basil, dill, mint all add fresh aroma.
- Heat: Cayenne, crushed red pepper, or smoked paprika add a kick.
- Cheese: Finely grated parmesan or sprinkle of cotija cheese.
- Nuts and seeds: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, raw almonds or pine nuts before baking.
- Alternative oils: Grapeseed, avocado, coconut and walnut oil have distinct flavors.
- Grains: Coat pita pieces in everything bagel seasoning for an everything flavor.
Feel free to get creative and make each batch of pita chips uniquely your own. The basic cava flavor profile pairs especially well with hummus, tapenades, and Mediterranean dips and spreads.
Which Brand of Pita Chips Cava Should I Buy?
When buying ready-made pita chips cava from the grocery store, here are some top brands to look for:
| Brand | Why They’re Recommended |
|---|---|
| Stacy’s Simply Naked Pita Chips | Minimal ingredients – just pitas, oil, and salt |
| Trader Joe’s Pita Chips | Crunchy texture with great seasoning |
| 365 Everyday Value Pita Chips | Affordable option from Whole Foods |
| Snack Factory Original Pita Chips | Sturdy chips that are easy to dip |
| Saffron Road Crunch Pita Chips | Unique flavors like parmesan garlic |
| Blue Diamond Nut-Thins | Made with whole grains and nuts |
When comparing brands, check the ingredients list and look for ones with just a handful of identifiable spices and seasonings. Avoid pita chips with artificial flavors or excessive sodium. The ingredients should be similar to what you would use to make them from scratch at home.
Nutrition Facts for Pita Chips Cava
The nutrition content of pita chips cava can vary slightly between brands, but in general a 1 ounce (about 28g) serving contains:
- Calories: 130-160
- Total Fat: 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: 18-22g
- Protein: 2-4g
- Sodium: 150-220mg
As you can see, pita chips are relatively high in carbohydrates so portion sizes are important. Most of the calories come from the pita bread itself. Choosing whole grain or sprouted grain pita can boost the fiber and protein content for a more balanced snack.
Are Pita Chips Cava Healthy?
Pita chips cava can be a healthier alternative to fried potato chips or crackers when enjoyed in moderation. Some of the benefits include:
- More nutrients than regular chips or crackers
- Provide carbohydrates for energy
- Whole grains provide fiber and protein
- Olive oil contains healthy fats
- No cholesterol or trans fats
However, there are some downsides to consider:
- Easy to overeat and consume excess calories
- Often high in sodium from added salt
- Not enough protein to be an balanced snack alone
- Spices and seasonings may cause gastrointestinal issues for some
Overall, pita chips cava can be an occasional healthier snack in moderate portions. Balance with protein rich foods like hummus, tuna salad, or nut butter for a more nutritious snack. Also try DIY versions at home so you can control the amount of oil and sodium used.
Conclusion
Pita chips cava are a crunchy and flavorful snack made simply from pita bread, oil, and seasonings. The signature cava spices often include garlic, cumin, paprika, and oregano to give them a robust flavor profile. While not the healthiest snack choice, they are fine to enjoy occasionally in sensible portions. Homemade versions allow you to customize the ingredients and skip excess salt found in store-bought brands. With a variety of seasoning possibilities, pita chips cava can be tailored to suit your taste preferences.