Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons dry instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 300 ml lukewarm water
Coating Ingredients
- ½ cup grape or date molasses
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 300 g toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, dry instant yeast, and salt until combined.
- Mix and Knead: Gradually pour in the lukewarm water while mixing by hand. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Coating: In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the molasses, water, and flour until smooth. Set aside. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan if not already toasted and place them in a separate bowl.
- Shape the Dough: After the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and transfer it onto a floured surface. Shape into a log and cut into 6 equal pieces, then cut each piece into two, giving you 12 pieces total.
- Form the Simit Rings: Take two pieces of dough and roll each into 20-inch (50 cm) ropes. Place them side by side and pinch the ends together. Twist the ropes in opposite directions to form a braid, then join and pinch the ends to create a ring. Repeat with the remaining dough pieces.
- Coat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dip each simit ring first into the molasses mixture, then coat thoroughly with toasted sesame seeds. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the simit for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and have a crispy crust.
Notes
- Make sure the water used for the dough is lukewarm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- If your sesame seeds have not been toasted yet, do so gently in a dry pan over medium heat until golden for enhanced flavor.
- You can store baked simit in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
- The molasses glaze is essential for the classic flavor and helps the sesame seeds stick and brown beautifully.
- If you prefer, substitute grape molasses with date molasses depending on availability.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish
