Turkish Simit Recipe
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
45 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Resting time
1 hr 50 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
8
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Calories
464 kcal
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Course
Breakfast
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, Turkish
Turkish Simit Recipe
Description
The Turkish Simit Recipe starts with a yeasted dough made from all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, sugar, warm water, and vegetable oil. After kneading and an initial rise, the dough is divided and shaped by rolling two strands side by side and twisting them before joining the ends to form rings. Each ring is dipped in a grape molasses and water mixture, then coated generously in toasted sesame seeds, giving the simit a signature shiny, nutty crust.
After a second short rise, the simits bake to develop a golden-brown color with a chewy interior and a crisp, seeded exterior. The grape molasses coating imparts a slight sweetness and helps the sesame seeds adhere.
Simits are often eaten fresh but store well in a sealed bag or wrapped cloth at room temperature for 2-3 days. They can be reheated in the oven before serving or frozen for longer storage. Honey can be used as a substitute for molasses if needed. Both stand mixer and hand kneading methods are suitable for making traditional simit.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour plus 2-3 tbsp more if needed
- 1 1/2 cup water warm
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup grape molasses
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 cup sesame seeds toasted
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix sugar, yeast, 4 cups flour and salt.
- Add in warm water and vegetable oil. Mix using the dough hook until the dough comes together and is a bit sticky. If the dough is not coming together, add 2-3 tablespoons all purpose flour.
- Knead the dough using the dough hook for about 8 minutes until it's no longer sticky. Cover and let it rise for 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Meanwhile, toast the sesame seeds in a pan. And mix the molasses with 1/2 cup water.
- After 1.5 hours, punch the dough down and divide it into 16 pieces. Roll out 2 pieces into 25 inch tubes each and lay them parallel to each other.
- Roll the tubes in opposite directions to make a twist. Meet the ends and pinch them together to make a ring. Repeat with the remaining 14 pieces to make 7 more rings.
- Dip each ring in molasses and water mixture then in sesame seeds and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover loosely and let it rise for another 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the simits are brown and fully cooked.
Notes
- Store leftover simit in a sealed plastic bag or wrapped in cloth to keep them fresh for 2-3 days.
- Reheat simit in the oven before serving to refresh the crust.
- Freeze simit for extended storage, thawing before use.
- If grape molasses is unavailable, honey can be substituted in the coating mixture.
- Both stand mixers and hand kneading can be used to make the dough effectively.
- Vegetable oil in the dough can be replaced with olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 464 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 464kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 57g | 19% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10g | 59% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Sodium | 297mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 227mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 3IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 285mg | 29% |
| Iron | 7mg | 39% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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