Turkish Simit Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Sesame Bagel

Simit, often referred to as the "Turkish sesame bagel," is one of Turkey’s most beloved street foods. It’s crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and coated generously with golden, toasted sesame seeds. Simit is perfect on its own or paired with cheese, olives, or a dollop of jam.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make authentic Turkish Simit from scratch. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this step-by-step recipe will help you recreate this iconic Turkish bread in your own kitchen. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients for Turkish Simit

To make traditional Turkish simit, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Coating:

• ½ cup molasses (grape or date molasses is ideal)
• 1 ½ cups sesame seeds (toasted)

These simple ingredients come together to make the perfect dough for your homemade simit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water in a small bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to work.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough starts to form, then knead the dough for about 10-12 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour as needed.

Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Insert Image Here: The dough rising in a bowl, covered with a towel.

2. Shape the Simit

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions.

Take each portion and roll it into a long rope, about 20-24 inches long. To shape the simit, form the dough into a circle by twisting the ends together and pinching them to seal.

Place the shaped simit on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Insert Image Here: Shaped simit dough rings on a baking sheet, ready for coating.

3. Coat the Simit with Molasses and Sesame Seeds

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a bowl, mix molasses with ½ cup of water to create a dipping solution. In a separate dish, spread the toasted sesame seeds.

Dip each shaped simit dough ring into the molasses mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll it in the sesame seeds until the entire surface is covered.

Place the sesame-coated simit back onto the prepared baking sheet.

Insert Image Here: Simit dough being dipped in molasses and rolled in sesame seeds.

4. Bake the Simit

Bake the simit in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Once baked, remove the simit from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before serving.

Insert Image Here: Freshly baked simit cooling on a wire rack, golden and topped with sesame seeds.

Tips for the Perfect Simit

• Molasses Substitute: If you don’t have grape or date molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup mixed with water to get a similar flavor and color.

• Toasting Sesame Seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a few minutes before coating the simit adds extra flavor and a deeper golden color.

• Freezing Simit: You can freeze baked simit for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, simply reheat the frozen simit in the oven to restore their crispiness.

Variations of Simit Bread

While the classic simit is traditionally coated with sesame seeds, there are several variations you can try to suit your preferences:

1. Cheese-Stuffed Simit

For a savory twist, you can add a cheese filling, such as feta or halloumi, before shaping the dough. This variation offers a delicious surprise with each bite.

2. Multi-Seed Simit

Instead of using only sesame seeds, try using a mix of seeds like flax, chia, or poppy seeds for a modern take on the traditional recipe.

3. Sweet Simit

If you have a sweet tooth, you can add a little sugar to the dough and replace the sesame seed topping with a cinnamon-sugar coating. This sweet version of simit pairs perfectly with tea or coffee.

Insert Image Here: Different variations of simit, including cheese-filled and multi-seed versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make simit dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough a day in advance and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking the next day.

2. What is the difference between simit and a regular bagel?

While simit and bagels both share a similar shape, simit is lighter, crispier, and doesn’t involve boiling before baking, which is a typical step in making bagels. Simit is also dipped in a molasses solution, giving it a distinct flavor and golden color.

3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but this may result in a denser simit with a slightly different texture. You may also need to adjust the water content when using whole wheat flour.

Conclusion

This Turkish Simit Recipe is an excellent way to bring the taste of Turkey into your home. With its crispy exterior, chewy interior, and signature sesame coating, simit is the perfect snack or accompaniment to your favorite dips and spreads. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try one of the fun variations, making simit is a rewarding and delicious experience.