Teresa

Teresa's Recipes Simit - Turkish Sesame Bread

Simit - Turkish Sesame Bread - Indulge in the irresistible charm of Simit, often dubbed the 'Turkish bagel', a delightful sesame-crusted bread that has captivated taste buds for cen

Want more deliciousness? Follow me on X @TeresasRecipes

Simit - Turkish Sesame Bread

Indulge in the irresistible charm of Simit, often dubbed the 'Turkish bagel', a delightful sesame-crusted bread that has captivated taste buds for centuries. With its golden, crunchy exterior and soft, chewy interior, Simit is not just a staple of Turkish cuisine; it's a beloved tradition often enjoyed as a leisurely breakfast or delightful snack. Traditionally sold by street vendors in bustling markets, this iconic bread pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses, briny olives, or simply savored on its own alongside a steaming cup of Turkish tea. Experience the authentic flavors of Turkey right from your kitchen with this carefully crafted recipe, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring in solitude.

Serves 8

Ingredients

Warm water
1 cup
Active dry yeast
2 teaspoons
Granulated sugar
1 tablespoon
All-purpose flour
3 cups
Salt
1 teaspoon
Molasses
1/4 cup
Sesame seeds
1/2 cup
Additional warm water for dipping
1/2 cup

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water and 1 tablespoon of sugar, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Sprinkle the 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the frothy yeast mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form.
  3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 18 inches long. Twist two ropes together to form a circle, pinching the ends together to seal. Repeat with the remaining dough.
  7. In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup of molasses and 1/2 cup of warm water. In another dish, place 1/2 cup of sesame seeds. Dip each twisted circle of dough first in the molasses mixture, then in the sesame seeds, ensuring both sides are well-coated.
  8. Arrange the coated circles of dough on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the Simit are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Allow the Simit to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving, and enjoy them warm.

Tips

  • 💡 For an extra layer of flavor, you can add 1 tablespoon of any desired herbs or spices to the dough, such as oregano or garlic powder.
  • 💡 Serve your Simit with a side of feta cheese, olives, and fresh tomatoes for a classic Turkish breakfast experience.
  • 💡 For a sweeter variation, consider sprinkling some cinnamon and sugar on top of the sesame seeds before baking.

Dietary Information

Servings: 8 Dish Type: Bread Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes Calories: 180 Fat: 2g Carbs: 34g Protein: 6g Sodium: 200mg Sugar: 1g

Loading side dishes...

Finding side dishes...

Loading wine pairings...

Selecting wines...

Reviews

Share Your Experience

0/1000 characters

Your Review

Want to share your experience with this recipe?

Sign in to Leave a Review

Community Reviews

Loading reviews...

Loading community reviews...

Loading...