How to Make the Perfect Simit
Turkish · Medium · 115 min · 8 servings
Simit is a crispy, chewy Turkish sesame bread ring that is one of the most iconic street foods sold on every corner in Istanbul and across Turkey. Dipped in molasses and coated generously in sesame seeds, it is baked until deeply golden with a satisfying crunch.
Why this recipe works
This 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 280 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:
- 500 g bread flour
- 7 g instant yeast
- 200 g sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp grape molasses or pomegranate molasses
- 1 tsp salt
- 60 ml warm water for molasses mixture
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make and Prove the Dough
Mix flour, yeast, salt, and about 300ml warm water together to form a smooth dough. Knead for 10 minutes until elastic, then cover and leave to rise for 1 hour until doubled.
Step 2: Shape the Rings
Divide the dough into 8 portions. Roll each into a long rope about 50cm long, fold in half, twist together, then join the ends to form a ring shape. Press the join firmly to seal.
Step 3: Dip in Molasses and Coat in Sesame
Dilute molasses with warm water in a shallow bowl. Dip each ring into the molasses mixture on both sides, then press firmly into a plate of sesame seeds, ensuring full coverage all around.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Place simit on lined baking trays and bake at 200C for 20 to 25 minutes until deeply golden brown and the sesame seeds are toasted and fragrant. Cool briefly on a wire rack before eating.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- grape molasses → diluted honey for a milder, sweeter coating
- bread flour → all-purpose flour for a slightly softer texture
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not applying enough molasses mixture which causes the sesame seeds to fall off after baking
- Under-proving the dough which results in dense rings without proper chew
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 9g protein, 46g carbs, 7g fat, 3g fiber.
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