How to Make the Perfect Istanbul Simit
Turkish · Medium · 115 min · 6 servings
Simit is the beloved circular sesame-crusted bread ring that Istanbul street vendors carry on large trays balanced on their heads. It is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, making it the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack paired with tea.
Why this recipe works
This Istanbul Simit recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 115 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 290 calories with 9g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 0.5 cup grape molasses or pomegranate molasses
- 1 cup white sesame seeds
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make and Rest the Dough
Combine flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Add warm water gradually and knead for 10 minutes until a smooth elastic dough forms. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 60 minutes until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Rings
Divide the risen dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each piece into a long rope about 50 centimeters long. Fold the rope in half and twist the two strands together, then join the ends to form a ring shape.
Step 3: Glaze and Coat
Dilute the molasses with an equal amount of water in a shallow bowl. Dip each dough ring into the molasses mixture, then immediately press it into the sesame seeds spread on a flat tray, coating all surfaces generously.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Place the coated rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 22 to 25 minutes until deep golden brown and crisp. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- grape molasses → dark honey mixed with a little water works as a binding glaze for the sesame seeds
- bread flour → all-purpose flour combined with one tablespoon of vital wheat gluten for added chew
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Under-kneading the dough which results in a dense ring that does not have the proper chewy texture
- Using too little sesame seeds which leaves bare patches and reduces the authentic flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 290 calories, 9g protein, 52g carbs, 6g fat, 3g fiber.
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