Simit – Turkish Sesame Bread Ring

Simit Turkish bread, a delectable delight, might be one of Turkey’s best-kept secrets! Every culture boasts a unique bread variant, each captivating in its own right. However, Simit, one of Turkey’s most famous street foods, is an incredible offering for breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes you may not have encountered before.

My fond memories of enjoying Kaak growing up make me appreciate Simit’s unique qualities even more. Simit reminds me a lot of the street bread made where I grew up called Kaak, a sizeable ring-shaped bread like a bagel but with softer dough inside. Like Kaak, Simit is technically not a bagel. Simit has a nutty flavoring, a crunchy outer shell coated with sesame seeds, and a soft inside. It will become one of your bread favorites in no time! With its delightful nutty flavor, crunchy sesame seed coating, and tender interior, Simit is a bread that captures the essence of Turkish cuisine and is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, too!

Ingredients for Making Simit

To craft the delightful Simit, a beloved Turkish sesame bread, you’ll need the following key ingredients:

• Yeast: Yeast is the magic ingredient that gives Simit light and airy texture. It’s responsible for the bread’s rise and the formation of those soft, fluffy interiors.
• Grape Molasses: Grape molasses is a unique addition that lends a touch of sweetness to Simit. It not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the bread’s lovely brown color and crusty exterior.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds are an iconic feature of Simit. They’re generously sprinkled on the surface, giving the bread its signature nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Sugar: A bit of sugar helps activate the yeast, kickstarting the fermentation process crucial for the bread’s structure and flavor.
• Sea Salt: Sea salt not only seasons the dough but also strengthens the gluten structure, ensuring that your Simit has the perfect balance of flavors.

Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in creating Simit’s unique taste and texture. The yeast provides the rise; grape molasses adds sweetness; toasted sesame seeds deliver crunch; sugar aids in fermentation; and sea salt enhances the overall flavor profile. When combined, they result in a bread that’s unlike any other.

Tips for Shaping Simit into a Perfect Ring

Creating the classic Simit ring shape may seem tricky at first, but with a bit of practice, you’ll master it effortlessly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the Dough: Ensure your dough is well-prepared with the right ingredients. Check the yeast for freshness by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar; it should become frothy within a few minutes. Use warm water and find a warm, draft-free place for the dough to rise, which will help it achieve its ideal texture.
• Roll the Dough: Begin by dividing your dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into long, snake-like strips. These will serve as the basis for your Simit.
• Twist and Intertwine: Place the two strips of dough parallel to each other, ensuring their ends align. Now, gently twist the strips together, much like braiding hair. This intertwining step is what gives Simit its characteristic appearance.
• Form a Circle: Bring the two ends of the twisted dough together once the strips are woven, creating a circular shape. Make sure to firmly press the ends together to prevent any unraveling during baking.
• Smooth the Ring: To achieve a seamless and evenly shaped Simit, insert your hand into the circle’s center and gently roll the dough on a flat surface. This will help smooth out any unevenness and create a uniform ring shape.
• Additional Tips: Be patient with the dough and take your time when shaping the rings. If the dough becomes too elastic or hard to work with, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing. Also, ensure your hands are lightly dusted with flour to prevent sticking.

Savoring Simit Turkish Bread

As a devoted fan of Simit, I have my favorite way to enjoy this Turkish delight, along with a nod to the traditional Turkish approach:

• Personal Favorite: One of my absolute favorite ways to savor Simit is by creating a mouthwatering sandwich. I love to fill the Simit with creamy feta cheese, slices of ripe tomatoes, and fragrant fresh mint leaves. The combination of textures and flavors, from the Simit’s crunchy crust to the creamy feta and the burst of freshness from the mint, creates an irresistible treat that I can never get enough of.
• Traditional Turkish Style: In Turkey, Simit holds a special place in the hearts of many. The traditional way to enjoy Simit is on the bustling streets of Istanbul or other Turkish cities. Locals often pair this circular bread with a simple yet classic combination: Simit and tea. It’s common to see people grabbing a freshly baked Simit from a street vendor and enjoying it with a glass of Turkish tea. The contrast between the crunchy sesame-coated bread and the soothing warmth of the tea is a quintessential Turkish experience.

Exploring Mediterranean Bread Varieties

While Simit, the beloved Turkish sesame bread, holds a special place in the heart of Mediterranean cuisine enthusiasts, the world of Mediterranean bread is waiting to be explored. Discover bread like my Sicilian Soccica bread, a rustic and aromatic delight with roots in the beautiful island of Sicily. Alternatively,  another favorite of mine is authentic Taboon bread, cherished in Middle Eastern cuisine for its unique texture and versatility. These bread varieties, each with their own regional flavors and traditions, are a testament to the rich diversity of Mediterranean baking.