By Fatih 
Simit is one of the most iconic street foods in Turkey. Often called the “Turkish bagel,” it’s a circular bread encrusted with golden, roasted sesame seeds. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, simit is perfect with tea, cheese, olives, or just by itself as a snack. Making it at home brings the irresistible aroma of a Turkish bakery to your kitchen.
Servings: 6 simits
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water
- 1 packet (7g) instant dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Coating:
- ½ cup grape molasses (pekmez)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 ½ cups toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Simit: Punch down the dough and divide into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope (about 50 cm / 20 inches long). Fold the rope in half, twist the two strands together, then form into a ring, pinching the ends to seal.
- Prepare Coating: Mix grape molasses and water in a shallow bowl. Place toasted sesame seeds in another bowl.
- Dip and Coat: Dip each ring into the molasses mixture, then roll generously in sesame seeds until fully coated.
- Bake: Place the simits on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and enjoy fresh with Turkish tea, cheese, and olives.
Things to Consider
- Molasses Flavor: Grape molasses (pekmez) gives authentic flavor, but you can substitute with pomegranate molasses or honey diluted with water.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasting them lightly before coating enhances flavor and aroma.
- Texture: Simit should be crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy inside.
Tips
- Make Ahead: You can shape and freeze simits before baking. When ready, thaw and bake fresh.
- Serving Suggestion: Traditionally enjoyed with white cheese (beyaz peynir), tomatoes, cucumbers, and Turkish tea.
- Extra Crispy: For more crunch, bake with a tray of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam.
This Homemade Simit recipe will bring the true taste of Turkey to your table. Afiyet olsun!