Simit

Share

Simit is a popular and delicious Turkish bread that is often referred to as a “Turkish bagel” or “Turkish pretzel” due to its shape and crunchy exterior. It’s a round, circular bread encrusted with sesame seeds, giving it a unique flavor and texture. Simit is commonly enjoyed as a snack, street food, or for breakfast in Turkey. Here’s how to make simit:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour: The main ingredient for the dough.
• Yeast: Used to leaven the dough.
• Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and feeds the yeast.
• Water: To form the dough.
• Olive oil: Adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
• Salt: For seasoning.

For the Coating:

• Sesame seeds: Simit is generously coated with sesame seeds, which provide its characteristic flavor and texture.
• Molasses or Pomegranate Molasses: This sweet and slightly tangy syrup is used to dip the simit before coating it with sesame seeds. It gives the simit its glossy appearance and a hint of sweetness.

Preparation:

Here’s how to make simit:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, salt, water, and olive oil. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth and elastic dough. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 1-2 hours.
2. Shape the Simit: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any excess air. Divide the dough into small, equal-sized portions and roll each piece into a long rope, about 18 inches (45 cm) in length. Join the ends of each rope to form a circular shape, like a bagel or pretzel.
3. Dip in Molasses: Pour some molasses or pomegranate molasses into a shallow bowl. Dip each simit into the molasses, making sure it’s coated evenly.
4. Coat with Sesame Seeds: Spread sesame seeds on a plate. Roll each molasses-coated simit in the sesame seeds, pressing gently to ensure they stick to the surface.
5. Second Rise: Place the sesame-coated simits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a cloth and let them rest for about 15-20 minutes to allow them to puff up slightly.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to around 375°F (190°C). Bake the simits for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and have a crisp exterior. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the simits from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed.

Simit is often served as a snack or street food in Turkey and is commonly enjoyed with a cup of tea, Turkish coffee, or yogurt. It’s known for its crunchy sesame-coated exterior and soft, chewy interior. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a spread of your choice, simit is a delightful and iconic Turkish bread.