Description
Turkish Simit Bread Rings are a beloved street food featuring a perfectly chewy interior with a golden, crispy sesame-coated crust. Made from simple pantry staples, these versatile bread rings are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or light meals, delivering authentic Turkish flavors with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (around 100-110°F / 38-43°C)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Coating Ingredients
- 1/2 cup malt or grape molasses diluted with 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast: Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil, then knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size, developing a light, airy texture.
- Shape the Rings: Divide the dough into equal portions, roll each into a long rope, then shape into rings by joining the ends and twisting once or twice before sealing.
- Coat with Molasses and Sesame: Dip each dough ring in diluted molasses mixture, then immediately roll it on sesame seeds to coat generously.
- Final Rise: Place the coated rings on a parchment-lined baking tray and let them rise for an additional 20-30 minutes to puff up.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving to enjoy the crunchy crust and chewy interior.
Notes
- Use warm water (not hot) to avoid killing the yeast.
- Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten for chewy texture.
- Don’t skip the molasses; it gives the signature color and sweet crust.
- Press sesame seeds firmly onto the dough so they adhere during baking.
- Simit is best enjoyed fresh and warm straight from the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 simit ring
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg