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5.0 from 6 votes

Easy Koulouri or Simit (Sesame Bread Rings)

Koulouri Thessalonikis, also known as just “koulouri” in Greece or Simit in Turkey is a bread ring that is crispy and golden brown on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Additional Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Calories: 260 kcal
Course: Breakfast , Snacks , Bread
Cuisine: Mediterranean , Greek

Ingredients

  • 9 oz (2 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp instant dry yeast
  • 1 ¾ tbsp olive oil plus more for shaping the dough
  • 4.2 oz (125 ml) lukewarm water 95 °C (35 °C)
For Sesame Coating
  • ⅔ cup warm water
  • 1 ½ tsp honey or sugar or petimezi (grape molasses)
  • ½ cup sesame seeds

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a mixer bowl, add the flour, sugar, salt and yeast. Mix with a spoon. Add the olive oil and the lukewarm water. Using the dough hook and mix at low speed for about 10 minutes until the dough is elastic.
  2. Lightly grease your working surface. Place the dough on the surface and separate in 6 equal pieces.
  3. Roll pieces into long logs about 9-10 inches. Take both ends of dough and connect together to form a ring.
  4. Set on pan lined with parchment paper. Place pan in a warm area and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
  5. In another bowl, mix ⅔ cup of warm water with the honey. Place the sesame seeds on another plate.
  6. After dough has rested dip each ring into the water, and then roll each into the sesame seeds, patting any area with seeds that is not covered.
  7. Preheat oven at 400° F (200° C) using a convection oven (preferable). For a conventional oven preheat at 425 °F (220° C).
  8. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden. Let them cool for 5 minutes and remove from the pan.
  9. Enjoy right away.

Notes

  • To Store: Place it an airtight container or bag and leave out of the refrigerator. It can last 1-2 days without losing its texture. You can also store them in the refrigerator for about 5 days and reheat in the oven or toaster (if it is wide enough). 

Nutrition Information

Serving 1ring Calories 260kcal (13%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 260

% Daily Value*

Serving 1ring
Calories 260kcal 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.