Name: Turkish Simit Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 1 h 34 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted); 1 tbsp sugar; 2 tsp instant yeast; 1 tsp kosher salt; 2 cups toasted sesame seeds; 1 1/2 cup warm water (plus 1-2 tbsp more if needed); 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1/4 cup grape molasses; 1/4 cup water

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Introduction

Simit, often called Turkish bagels, are crispy, golden rings coated in sesame seeds. This traditional street food is slightly sweet and perfect for breakfast or a snack. Making simit at home is easier than you might think, offering that fresh-from-the-oven experience.

A tall stack of six twisted sesame seed bread rings sits on a white round plate lined with a light beige knitted cloth, with an additional bread ring leaning against the stack on the right side. Each bread ring is golden brown, twisted, and generously covered with sesame seeds, showing a slightly rough and crunchy texture. The background features white subway tiles, and the surface beneath the plate is a dark, smooth countertop with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
1 tbsp sugar
2 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp kosher salt
1 1/2 cup warm water (plus 1-2 tbsp more if needed)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup grape molasses
1/4 cup water
2 cups toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, sift in the flour then add the sugar, yeast, and salt. Make a small well in the center and add the warm water and vegetable oil.
Step 2: Mix with a dough hook until the dough begins to come together. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water; if too wet, add a tablespoon of flour.
Step 3: Knead the dough with the dough hook for about 8 minutes until it’s no longer sticky and cleans the inside of the bowl.
Step 4: Cover the bowl with a linen towel and let the dough rise for 1 hour, until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Place toasted sesame seeds in a large shallow dish. Whisk together the grape molasses and 1/4 cup water; set both aside.
Step 6: After rising, punch down the dough and divide into 16 pieces. Roll out two pieces at a time into 20-inch tubes by stretching and rolling the dough.
Step 7: Lay the two tubes parallel, pinch ends together, then twist in opposite directions to form a spiral. Join ends to create a ring and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough.
Step 8: Dip each ring in the molasses mixture, then coat completely in sesame seeds. Place them back on the baking sheet.
Step 9: Cover lightly with a linen towel and let the rings rise for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 10: Bake the simit for 14 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving or cool completely for storage.

Tips & Variations

Use grape molasses for authentic flavor, but you can substitute with pomegranate molasses if unavailable.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10-12 minutes.
For a softer interior, brush the simit with a beaten egg before adding the sesame seeds.

Storage

Store cooled simit in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes. You can freeze simit for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a pair of hands breaking a twisted sesame-covered bread ring. The bread has a golden-brown crust densely covered with light brown sesame seeds. The inside of the bread shows a soft, fluffy, and white texture being pulled apart, with the bread ring forming a rough circular shape. In the background, more similar sesame bread rings are piled up, resting on a white marbled surface, with soft natural light highlighting the textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make simit without grape molasses?

Yes, while grape molasses is traditional, you can substitute it with pomegranate molasses or a mixture of honey and water for a similar sticky coating.

How do I shape the dough into long tubes?

Press and stretch the dough gently from the center outward using your hands to elongate it evenly. Rolling it on a lightly floured surface helps achieve a uniform 20-inch length.