Simit (Turkish bagel with sesame sprinkles)
4 servings
60 minutes
Simit is a symbol of Turkish street food, a crispy and aromatic bagel covered in golden sesame seeds. The history of this treat goes back centuries; it was popular among traders and travelers due to its ease of preparation and rich flavor. Simit has a soft, slightly sweet dough, while the toasted sesame adds nutty notes and a crunchy texture. It pairs perfectly with a cup of strong tea, cheese, or honey. It is eaten both for breakfast and as a light snack throughout the day. It's not just baked goods—it's part of Turkish culture that brings people together at the table and on the bustling streets of Istanbul.
1
Dissolve yeast with sugar in a glass of warm water and after a few minutes knead the dough: add salt, oil to the dissolved yeast and gradually add flour. The dough should be soft. Leave the dough in a warm place for an hour to rise.
- Fresh yeast: 40 g
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Water: 1 glass
- Salt: 1 g
- Vegetable oil: 70 ml
- Wheat flour: 1 glass
2
Roll out the dough into sausages with a diameter of 2-3 cm and let them rest for 5 minutes. Then cut the sausages into pieces about 30 cm long and shape them into rings. The strands can be twisted for added beauty. Secure the ends well.
3
Each ring is first dipped in water and then in sesame. To make more sesame stick to the ring, it can be slightly flattened on top.
- Water: 1 glass
- Sesame: 100 g
4
Place the rings on a baking sheet and let them sit for 20-30 minutes depending on the room temperature for the dough to rise.
5
We bake simits in the oven at 180 degrees for 15-20 minutes (it may be less depending on the thickness of the bagels). It's better to monitor the baking process because the bagels are thin and bake quickly, and the sesame can start to burn.