Turkish Simit (Sesame Bread Rings) Recipe – Turkey Special
Turkish simit is a beloved street food that combines a crunchy sesame crust with a soft, airy interior. Often referred to as the Turkish bagel, simit is traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. The dough is enriched with olive oil, giving it a tender texture, while the molasses bath before baking imparts a subtle sweetness and helps the sesame seeds adhere. Whether paired with tea, cheese, or jam, simit offers a delightful taste of Turkish culinary heritage.
- Prep Time45 min
- Cook Time15 min
- Perform Time1 hr 50 min
- Total Time2 hr 50 min
Turkish Simit (Sesame Bread Rings) Ingredients :
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2-3 tablespoons more if needed
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup grape molasses
- ½ cup water
- 1 ½ cups toasted sesame seeds
How to Make Turkish Simit (Sesame Bread Rings)
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine sugar, yeast, 4 cups of flour, and salt.
Add warm water and vegetable oil. Mix using the dough hook attachment until the dough comes together and is slightly sticky. If needed, add 2-3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour if the dough is too wet.
Knead the dough with the dough hook for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and no longer sticky. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
While the dough is rising, toast the sesame seeds in a pan. Mix the grape molasses with 1/2 cup of water.
After 1.5 hours, punch down the dough and divide it into 16 pieces. Roll each piece into a 25-inch tube.
Take two tubes and lay them parallel to each other. Twist them together in opposite directions to form a twisted shape. Bring the ends together and pinch to seal, forming a ring. Repeat with the remaining dough pieces to make a total of 8 rings.
Dip each ring into the molasses and water mixture, then coat generously with toasted sesame seeds. Place the coated rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Loosely cover the simits and let them rise for another 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Bake the simits in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully baked.
Recipe Notes:
Grape Molasses: Traditionally used in simit recipes, grape molasses adds a unique flavor. If unavailable, a mixture of honey and water can be used as a substitute.
Sesame Seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their flavor and ensures they adhere better to the dough.
Dough Consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky. If it’s too wet, gradually add more flour; if it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
Baking: For a crispier crust, place a shallow pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
