Turkish Simit Recipe
Turkish simit is a delicious sesame crusted bread that you can have for breakfast. Learn how to make traditional simit recipe at home with this step-by-step tutorial.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all purpose flour plus 2-3 tbsp more if needed
- 1 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup grape molasses
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 cup sesame seeds toasted
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix sugar, yeast, 4 cups flour and salt.
- Add in warm water and vegetable oil. Mix using the dough hook until the dough comes together and is a bit sticky. If the dough is not coming together, add 2-3 tablespoons all purpose flour.
- Knead the dough using the dough hook for about 8 minutes until it's no longer sticky. Cover and let it rise for 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Meanwhile, toast the sesame seeds in a pan. And mix the molasses with 1/2 cup water.
- After 1.5 hours, punch the dough down and divide it into 16 pieces. Roll out 2 pieces into 25 inch tubes each and lay them parallel to each other.
- Roll the tubes in opposite directions to make a twist. Meet the ends and pinch them together to make a ring. Repeat with the remaining 14 pieces to make 7 more rings.
- Dip each ring in molasses and water mixture then in sesame seeds and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover loosely and let it rise for another 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the simits are brown and fully cooked.
Video
Notes
- Storage: Place the leftover simits in a plastic bag and tie a knot to make sure it's not in contact with air. You can also wrap them in a cloth and place them in a bread box. Simit usually lasts for about 2-3 days, however I prefer to have it fresh. You can also reheat leftover simit in the oven right before serving. You can also freeze them for several months.
- If molasses is not available, use honey instead.
- If you own a stand mixer, definitely use it for this recipe. However, if you don't own one, simply use a large bowl and a wooden spoon (and later your hands) to make simit. Both approaches work for this traditional Turkish bread recipe.
- You can use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for this recipe if preferred.
Nutrition
Calories: 464kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 297mg | Potassium: 227mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 285mg | Iron: 7mg