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Simit

A traditional Turkish sesame-crusted circular bread featuring a crunchy outer layer and a soft, chewy interior.

50 minMediumServes 6310 cal/serving

Middle EasternBreakfastOvenVeganVegetarianHalal-friendlyDairy-FreeEgg-FreeNut-FreeSoy-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1.5 cups warm water
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • 1/4 cup grape molasses
  • 1 cup sesame seeds, toasted

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups warm water, 2 tsp active dry yeast, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar. Let rest for 5 minutes until foamy.

  2. 2

    Add 4 cups bread flour and 1 tsp fine salt to the liquid mixture and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms.

  3. 3

    Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.

  4. 4

    Whisk 1/4 cup grape molasses with 1/4 cup water in a shallow dish, and place 1 cup toasted sesame seeds in a second shallow dish.

  5. 5

    Divide dough into 6 equal pieces, roll each into two thin strands, twist them together, and pinch the ends into a ring shape.

  6. 6

    Dip each dough ring into the molasses liquid, press into 1 cup toasted sesame seeds to coat completely, and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  7. 7

    Bake at 400F for 18 to 20 minutes until deep golden brown and crisp.

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Questions

What is Simit?

A traditional Turkish sesame-crusted circular bread featuring a crunchy outer layer and a soft, chewy interior. This reference files it under Middle Eastern breakfast: made in the oven, rated medium and about 50 minutes start to finish.

What temperature do I cook Simit at?

For Simit, the oven is set to 400 F (about 205 C) in step 7. The longest stretch at that heat is 20 minutes, in step 7.

How do I know when Simit is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 7: cook until deep golden brown and crisp.

Is there a substitute for molasses in Simit?

The entry for Simit calls for 1/4 cup grape molasses. In its place: Dark corn syrup, or honey with a little brown sugar. The flavor will be lighter.

Can I make Simit gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Simit 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.

Does Simit contain sesame?

Yes: 1 cup sesame seeds, toasted. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten and sesame. Seeds used as a garnish can simply be left off; the oil has no true substitute. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Which part of Simit can be done ahead?

Everything up to step 3. Step 3 is a built-in pause of 1 hour: "Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size." Do everything up to that point ahead of time and pick up at step 4 when you are ready to finish.

Serve it with

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