Simit Sesame Bread Rings

Name: Simit Sesame Bread Rings
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 4 cups bread flour; 2 tsp instant yeast; 2 tsp granulated sugar; 1 1/2 tsp fine salt; 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup grape molasses (pekmez) or pomegranate molasses; 2 cups raw sesame seeds

Crisp, chewy Turkish street bread rings coated in a thick crust of toasted sesame seeds - the iconic breakfast staple sold at every corner in Istanbul. Plan ahead: the dough needs 1 hour to rise.

65 minMediumServes 8290 cal/serving

TurkishBreakfastOvenVeganHalal-friendlyDairy-FreeEgg-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

4 cups bread flour
2 tsp instant yeast
2 tsp granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp fine salt
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup grape molasses (pekmez) or pomegranate molasses
2 cups raw sesame seeds

Instructions

1

In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups bread flour, 2 tsp instant yeast, 2 tsp granulated sugar, and 1 1/2 tsp fine salt. Add 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F) and 2 tbsp olive oil and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
2

Preheat oven to 450°F with a rack in the upper third. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
3

In a shallow bowl wide enough for dipping, combine 1/4 cup grape molasses (pekmez) or pomegranate molasses with 1/2 cup water and stir well. Spread 2 cups raw sesame seeds in another shallow dish.
4

Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 22 inches long. Form each rope into a ring by crossing the ends over each other and pressing firmly to seal.
5

Dip each ring into the molasses mixture, letting the excess drip off, then press both sides firmly into the raw sesame seeds to coat thoroughly.
6

Transfer the rings to the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until deep golden brown and the sesame seeds are toasted.
7

Transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Questions

Can I make Simit Sesame Bread Rings gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 4 cups bread flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

Can I make Simit Sesame Bread Rings ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Simit Sesame Bread Rings?

Yes. As written it serves 8. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, split it across two pans and rotate them halfway; one crowded pan bakes unevenly.

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