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Simit is a classic Turkish street food perfect for breakfast or a snack. These circular bread rings are coated in sesame seeds and have a chewy texture with a slightly sweet taste. They’re easy to make at home and are perfect for dipping in dips, spreads, or soups.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 40 minutes.
Cook Time: 15 minutes
How Many Servings?
10 servings
Ingredients:
1X
2X
3X
Adjust Servings
| 2.2 lbs. bread flour and extra for dusting | |
| 1 ¼ teaspoon instant yeast | |
| ½ tablespoon salt | |
| 2 cups lukewarm drinking water |
Ingredients For Dip:
| 1 cup grape molasses | |
| ½ cup water | |
| 1 tablespoon flour | |
| 31/2 cups slightly roasted sesame seeds |
Preparation
1
Set the temperature: Heat your oven to 500°F.
Stone advantage (optional): Place a pizza stone on a low rack in the oven while it preheats.
In a bowl, combine warm water (around 100°F to 110°F ) with a pinch of sugar.
Sprinkle the instant yeast over the water and sugar mixture. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly. This means your yeast is activated and ready to use.
2
Dry ingredients first: In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
Activate the yeast: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the warm water yeast mixture (prepared as mentioned earlier) and the oil into it.
Mix it up: Start the mixer on low speed and gradually increase it to medium speed. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough comes together, is smooth, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
3
Oil the bowl: After kneading your dough, add a thin layer of oil to coat the inside of the same bowl.
Cover and rise: Place the dough back in the oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and find a warm spot to rise. Let it sit for 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.
Gently deflate: After 30 minutes, punch down the dough gently to release the air bubbles.
Portion and shape: Divide the dough into equal pieces, about 2 ounces each. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
4
Dust your work surface with flour.
Roll it out: Divide your dough into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 16-18 inches long.
Twist it up: Hold two ropes side-by-side. Gently stretch and twist them in opposite directions, like wringing out a towel, but stop halfway.
Form the circle: Carefully bring the ends of the twisted dough together and pinch them to form a circle. Seal the seam well to prevent it from opening during baking.
Secure the ring: Tuck the end of the twisted dough underneath the coil to create a smooth and secure circle.
5
Mix the molasses, water, and flour using a deep plate. On a separate tray, pour a generous amount of sesame seeds. If you can't find half-roasted sesame seeds, roast them in a pan until they change color slightly.
Dip your simits into the first station to coat them with the molasses mixture. Then, dip them into the second station to cover them with sesame seeds.
6
Place the Simits into the oven with a pizza stone and bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly brown and crunchy. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
Storing and Freezing Tips for Simit Turkish Bread:
For Short-Term Freshness (1-2 Days):
Keep Simit in a cool, dry place.
Wrap it in a paper bag or cloth to maintain its crunchiness and prevent drying out.
For Extended Enjoyment (Several Months):
Allow freshly baked Simit to cool completely.
Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Consider placing the wrapped Simit in a resealable plastic freezer bag for extra protection.
When Ready to Enjoy:
No need to thaw frozen Simit.
Reheat it in a preheated oven or toaster oven at a moderate temperature until warm and crispy.
This process rejuvenates its delightful crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, making it as tantalizing as when fresh.