Turkish Bread (Simit) Recipe – Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside!
This Turkish bread, known as Simit, is an iconic street food in Turkey, crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, with a beautiful sesame-crusted finish. Traditionally served with Turkish tea, olives, feta cheese, or even jam, this recipe is sure to transport you straight to the streets of Istanbul.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup molasses (grape molasses preferred)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix the ingredients until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Simit:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 20-inch long rope.
- Take two ropes, twist them together, and form a ring by pressing the ends firmly to seal them.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a bowl, mix molasses and water together to form a molasses mixture.
- In another bowl, place the toasted sesame seeds.
- Dip each dough ring into the molasses mixture, then roll it generously in the sesame seeds until fully coated.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the coated rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve:
- Let the Simit cool slightly, then serve with traditional sides like feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, or a nice cup of Turkish tea!
Pro Tips:
- Extra Crunch: Toast the sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan before coating for an extra crunch and a deeper flavor.
- Traditional Twist: For an authentic taste, use grape molasses (pekmez) as a coating.
- Serving Ideas: Slice the Simit and stuff with fresh cucumbers, feta cheese, and herbs for a refreshing sandwich.
Q&A:
Q: Can I make the dough in advance? A: Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just take it out an hour before you’re ready to shape and bake.
Q: Can I use regular honey instead of molasses? A: While molasses gives Simit its traditional taste, you can use regular honey or maple syrup if molasses isn’t available. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Leftover Simit can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days. To refresh them, warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Q: Can I freeze the dough? A: Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped, unbaked dough rings. Just freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a plastic bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and proceed with the molasses and sesame coating.
Q: Can I use a stand mixer for kneading? A: Yes! If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can use it to knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on low speed.
Final Thoughts:
Simit is a classic Turkish snack that pairs perfectly with a variety of fresh sides and drinks. With a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, it’s ideal for breakfast, a light lunch, or a snack any time of day. You can enjoy it just as it is, or get creative by turning it into a sandwich with your favorite fillings.
Would you like to try this Simit with a side of Turkish tea, or perhaps some jam and cheese to enjoy with it? Let me know what you’d like to pair with your freshly baked Simit! ☕🧀