Simit is a Turkish circular bread that is usually covered in sesame or poppy seeds.
Simit is believed to have originated from Istanbul during the 1500s. They were sold in numerous bakeries by the 1630s according to Evliya Celebi, a traveler during that time. Internationally, Simit is identified as the Turkish Bagel. While it holds some similarities with the bagel, the Simit isn't boiled and the dough is dipped in fruit molasses before getting baked. In present time, many eat Simit for breakfast accompanied with tea or yogurt.
Ingredients
2 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
4 cups all purpose flour plus 2-3 tbsp more if needed
1 1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup grape molasses
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 cup sesame seeds toasted
Instructions
In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix sugar, yeast, 4 cups flour and salt.
Add in warm water and vegetable oil. Mix using the dough hook until the dough comes together and is a bit sticky. If the dough is not coming together, add 2-3 tablespoons all purpose flour.
Knead the dough using the dough hook for about 8 minutes until it's no longer sticky. Cover and let it rise for 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
Meanwhile, toast the sesame seeds in a pan. And mix the molasses with 1/2 cup water.
After 1.5 hours, punch the dough down and divide it into 16 pieces. Roll out 2 pieces into 25 inch tubes each and lay them parallel to each other.
Roll the tubes in opposite directions to make a twist. Meet the ends and pinch them together to make a ring. Repeat with the remaining 14 pieces to make 7 more rings.
Dip each ring in molasses and water mixture then in sesame seeds and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cover loosely and let it rise for another 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400F.
Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the simits are brown and fully cooked.
Comments