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Simit Recipe

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Simit is a classic Turkish sesame-crusted bread ring that’s crisp on the outside and soft inside. Often enjoyed with tea, cheese, or as a sandwich, simit is a beloved street food and breakfast staple in Turkey.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 simit rings
  • Category: Bread, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Turkish
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 cup grape molasses (or date, fig, or carob molasses)
  • 1/4 cup water (for molasses mixture)
  • 1 cup sesame seeds, toasted

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, dissolve sugar in lukewarm water. Add yeast and let sit until foamy (about 5–10 minutes).
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead into a smooth, elastic dough (about 8–10 minutes).
  3. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Mix grape molasses with 1/4 cup water in a shallow dish. Place toasted sesame seeds in another dish.
  6. Divide dough into 8 pieces. Roll each into a 24-inch rope, fold in half, twist, and join ends to form a ring.
  7. Dip each ring into the molasses mixture, then coat in sesame seeds. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Let rest for 15 minutes, then bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Add olives, herbs, or cheese to the dough for extra flavor.
  • Use flatter rings for sandwich-style simit.
  • Store in an airtight bag for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for best texture.
  • To keep sesame seeds from falling off, ensure full molasses dip before coating.

Nutrition