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4.8 from 399 votes

Turkish Simit Recipe

Turkish simit is a delicious sesame crusted bread that you can have for breakfast. Learn how to make traditional simit recipe at home with this step-by-step tutorial. 

Prep Time
45 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Resting time
1 hr 50 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 8
Calories: 464 kcal
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Mediterranean , Turkish

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 warm water
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup grape molasses
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cup sesame seeds toasted

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix sugar, yeast, 4 cups flour and salt. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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. 
  4. Meanwhile, toast the sesame seeds in a pan. And mix the molasses with 1/2 cup water. 
  5. 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.  
  6. 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. 
  7. Dip each ring in molasses and water mixture then in sesame seeds and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 
  8. Cover loosely and let it rise for another 20 minutes. 
  9. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 
  10. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the simits are brown and fully cooked. 

Notes

  • Storage: Place the leftover simits in a plastic bag and tie a knot to make sure it's not in contact with air. You can also wrap them in a cloth and place them in a bread box. Simit usually lasts for about 2-3 days, however I prefer to have it fresh. You can also reheat leftover simit in the oven right before serving. You can also freeze them for several months. 
  • If molasses is not available, use honey instead. 
  • If you own a stand mixer, definitely use it for this recipe. However, if you don't own one, simply use a large bowl and a wooden spoon (and later your hands) to make simit. Both approaches work for this traditional Turkish bread recipe. 
  • You can use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for this recipe if preferred. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 464kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 57g (19%) Protein 13g (26%) Fat 22g (34%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 10g Monounsaturated Fat 7g Trans Fat 1g Sodium 297mg (12%) Potassium 227mg (6%) Fiber 6g (24%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 3IU (0%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 285mg (29%) Iron 7mg (39%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 464

% 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.