“`html
If you have a soft spot for crunchy, golden-brown treats that fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Turkish Simit (Sesame Bread Rings) Recipe. These iconic circular breads, lovingly coated with toasted sesame seeds and baked to perfection, bring a delightful combination of crispiness on the outside and tender, chewy crumb on the inside. Whether you’re craving a savory snack or a perfect companion to your morning tea or coffee, making simit at home is a rewarding experience that promises to deliver authentic taste and a little bit of Turkish magic right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you; each element plays a vital role in crafting the authentic flavor and texture that make this Turkish Simit (Sesame Bread Rings) Recipe a standout. From the fluffiness of the flour to the sweet tang of grape molasses and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds, these basics work together like a dream.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted): The backbone of your dough, providing structure and softness with a tender crumb.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Just enough sweetness to activate the yeast and add subtle flavor.
- 2 tsp instant yeast: The magical leavening agent that helps the dough rise beautifully and achieve that light texture.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances the bread’s flavor, balancing sweetness and boosting overall taste.
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (plus 1-2 tbsp more if needed): Warm water wakes up the yeast and softens the dough.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the dough tender and moist, contributing to its chewiness.
- 1/4 cup grape molasses: The signature ingredient that lends a unique sweet tang and helps sesame seeds stick perfectly.
- 1/4 cup water: Mixed with molasses to create the dip that coats each ring.
- 2 cups toasted sesame seeds: For that classic crunchy crust and nutty aroma that everyone loves.
How to Make Turkish Simit (Sesame Bread Rings) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by sifting the flour into your mixing bowl to ensure a light, airy dough. Add the sugar, yeast, and salt, then create a little well in the center to pour in the warm water and vegetable oil. This combination jumpstarts the dough’s rise and texture.
Step 2: Mix and Knead
Using a dough hook, mix everything until it begins to come together. If the dough feels too dry or stiff, don’t hesitate to add a splash more water; too wet? Sprinkle a bit of flour. Knead for about eight minutes until the dough is smooth, pliable, and no longer sticky—so much so it cleans the bowl’s sides.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover the dough with a linen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size, looking airy and inviting.
Step 4: Prepare Sesame Coating
While the dough rests, toast your sesame seeds if they aren’t already toasted. Then whisk together grape molasses and water in a shallow dish—this sticky mixture is the secret that helps create that beautiful shiny crust.
Step 5: Shape the Rings
After punching down your risen dough, divide it into 16 equal pieces. Roll two pieces at a time into long, 20-inch tubes, stretching the dough gently but steadily to get that perfect length. Lay the two tubes side by side, pinch their ends together, and twist them in opposite directions to form a spiral. Join the ends once more to seal a perfect ring and place it on a parchment-lined tray. Repeat until all dough pieces are shaped.
Step 6: Coat with Molasses and Sesame Seeds
One by one, dip each ring into the molasses mixture, flipping to coat thoroughly. Press each coated ring into the sesame seeds so that every inch is covered in this crunchy, nutty layer. Place them back on the baking sheet to rest.
Step 7: Second Rise and Bake
Cover the rings loosely and give them another 20 minutes to puff slightly. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake your simits for about 14 minutes until they’re gloriously golden and irresistible to the eye and nose.
How to Serve Turkish Simit (Sesame Bread Rings) Recipe
Garnishes
Simit is wonderful on its own, but adding a few simple garnishes can elevate your experience. Consider wrapping them with a thin slice of creamy white cheese, like feta or beyaz peynir, or spread a little tangy labneh for a luscious finish. Fresh herbs like parsley or mint pair beautifully, adding a burst of freshness that complements the nutty sesame crust.
Side Dishes
These sesame bread rings make a stunning accompaniment to a Turkish breakfast spread. Serve with olives, fresh cucumber and tomato slices, hard-boiled eggs, or a bowl of flavorful hummus. For a warming touch, pair your simit with a hot cup of Turkish tea — the classic way to enjoy these delightful rings.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not spice things up by using simit as sandwich bread? Slice them horizontally and fill with smoked salmon and cream cheese for a gourmet twist. Or create a breakfast bagel-inspired dish by adding avocado, egg, and sliced tomato. These versatile Turkish Simit (Sesame Bread Rings) transform easily from traditional snack to modern culinary star.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container or resealable bag once cooled completely. They will stay fresh for up to two days at room temperature, maintaining a good balance between softness and crunch.
Freezing
To enjoy simit later, freeze them either before or after baking. Wrap each ring tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. When frozen, they can last for up to two months without losing their signature flavor and texture.
Reheating
Bring frozen or leftover simit back to life by warming them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes their crunchy crust and soft inside. If you’re in a hurry, a quick toast in a toaster oven works wonders too.
FAQs
What is the role of grape molasses in the Turkish Simit (Sesame Bread Rings) Recipe?
Grape molasses contributes a subtle sweetness and stickiness that helps the sesame seeds adhere to the dough and gives simit its iconic golden and glossy crust.
Can I substitute grape molasses with something else?
While grape molasses is traditional, you can substitute with pomegranate molasses or a thin honey-water mixture, though the flavor will vary slightly from authentic simit.
How do I ensure the sesame seeds stick well to the dough?
Coating the shaped rings in the grape molasses and water mixture creates a sticky surface for the seeds. Pressing gently into the seeds ensures they cling fully, producing a lovely textured crust.
Is it necessary to twist the two dough strands before shaping the ring?
Yes, twisting creates the classic spiral appearance and helps the simit bake evenly with a wonderful texture. It’s also visually appealing and traditional.
Can I make simit without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix the dough by hand and knead on a floured surface. It may take a bit more elbow grease, but the rewarding result is well worth the effort.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Turkish Simit (Sesame Bread Rings) Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without the simple joy of biting into these crunchy, chewy sesame rings. It’s a recipe that’s as much about the process — stretching dough while chatting with friends or family — as it is about the final delicious outcome. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the warm comfort and delightful crunch of homemade simit whenever the mood strikes.
“`
Print
Turkish Simit (Sesame Bread Rings) Recipe
Turkish Simit is a traditional sesame-covered bread ring, delightfully crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Made from a simple yeast dough enriched with grape molasses and generously coated in toasted sesame seeds, simit is a beloved street food and breakfast staple in Turkey. This recipe guides you through creating authentic simit with a golden crust and a tender crumb, perfect for enjoying with cheese, tea, or your favorite spreads.
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (8 simit rings)
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (plus 1–2 tbsp more if needed)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
For Dipping and Coating
- 1/4 cup grape molasses
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cups toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, sift the flour and add sugar, instant yeast, and kosher salt. Make a small well in the center for the wet ingredients.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Mix: Pour warm water and vegetable oil into the well. Using a dough hook, mix until the dough begins to come together. Adjust texture by adding more water if too dry or more flour if too wet.
- Knead the Dough: Knead with the dough hook for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth, no longer sticky, and pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a linen towel and allow the dough to rise for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Coatings: In a shallow dish, place the toasted sesame seeds. In a separate bowl, whisk together grape molasses and water to make the molasses dipping mixture.
- Shape the Simit: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 16 equal pieces. Take two pieces and roll each into 20-inch long tubes. To achieve this, form each piece into a rectangle and stretch by pressing and rolling with your fingers repeatedly until long and thin tubes form.
- Create Twisted Rings: Lay the two tubes parallel, pinch one end together, then twist each tube in opposite directions to form a spiral. Connect the loose ends to form a ring and pinch to seal. Place the rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough pieces to make 8 rings total.
- Dip and Coat: Using one hand, dip each ring thoroughly into the molasses mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, then immediately roll in the sesame seeds to cover completely. Place the coated rings back on the baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Loosely cover the rings with a linen towel and let them rise for another 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the Simit: Bake in the preheated oven for 14 minutes or until the rings turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Let the simit cool slightly before eating, or cool completely and store in an airtight container or sealed bag to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use grape molasses for authentic flavor and glossy coating; if unavailable, pomegranate molasses can be a substitute though it alters flavor slightly.
- Make sure sesame seeds are toasted to bring out their nutty flavor and create a crisp coating on the simit.
- Simits are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- You can freeze baked simit and reheat in the oven to refresh the crust.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish
