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Turkish Simit (Sesame Bread Rings)
5 from 6 votes

Turkish Simit (Sesame Bread Rings)

Try your hand at this authentic Turkish simit recipe for the warmest, fluffiest, and most delicately sweet sesame bread rings ever.

Prep Time
36 mins
Cook Time
14 mins
Dough Rise
1 hr 20 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 510 kcal
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Turkish

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cup water plus 1-2 tbsp more if needed, warm
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Assembly
  • 1/4 cup grape molasses (See Note 1)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 cups sesame seeds See Note 2, toasted

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer sift in the flour then add the sugar, yeast and salt. Make a small well in center and add the wet ingredients (warm water and vegetable oil).
  2. Mix using a dough hook until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water if too wet, add a tablespoon of flour.
  3. Knead the dough using the dough hook for about 8 minutes until it's no longer sticky. The dough should completely clean the inside of the bowl.
  4. Cover with linen towel and let it rise for 1 hour (it doubles in size).
  5. Place sesame seeds in large shallow dish. Whisk together the molasses with water. Set both aside.
  6. After 1 hour, punch the dough down and divide it into 16 pieces. Roll out 2 pieces into 20 inch tubes (like a breadstick).I first form the dough piece into a rectangle shape and starting from the center using both hands open, press and roll to yourself while spreading fingers to stretch dough. Repeat over and over along the dough to form long pieces.
  7. Lay them parallel to each other. Pinch each end together to hold and then twist the dough in opposite directions to make spiral twist. Bring both the ends together and pinch them to make a ring. Set aside on parchment lined baking sheet.Repeat with the remaining 14 pieces to make 7 more rings.
  8. Using one hand dip each ring in molasses mixture, turning to coat then in sesame seeds. Be sure to completely coat in sesame seeds. Place on a baking sheet and repeat with remaining rings.
  9. Cover loosely with linen towel and let it rise for another 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  10. Bake for 14 minutes until golden brown. Best eaten after cooled slightly or allow to cool completely and store in airtight container or wrap in bag and seal.

Notes

  • Traditionally grape molasses is used, but I have also used pomegranate molasses.
  • If you do not have toasted sesame seeds, toast the sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat, until golden, for several minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories 510kcal (26%) Carbohydrates 58g (19%) Protein 14g (28%) Fat 26g (40%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Sodium 299mg (12%) Potassium 252mg (5%) Fiber 6g (24%) Sugar 2g (4%) Calcium 376mg (38%) Iron 8mg (44%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 510

% Daily Value*

Calories 510kcal 26%
Carbohydrates 58g 19%
Protein 14g 28%
Fat 26g 40%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Sodium 299mg 12%
Potassium 252mg 5%
Fiber 6g 24%
Sugar 2g 4%
Calcium 376mg 38%
Iron 8mg 44%

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