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5 from 3 votes

Turkish Simit (Sesame Bread Rings)

Try your hand at this authentic Turkish simit recipe for the warmest, fluffiest, and most delicately sweet sesame bread rings ever.
Prep Time36 minutes
Cook Time14 minutes
Dough Rise1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time2 hours 10 minutes
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Turkish
Servings: 8
Author: Kevin

Ingredients

Assembly

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer sift in the flour then add the sugar, yeast and salt. Make a small well in center and add the wet ingredients (warm water and vegetable oil).
  • Mix using a dough hook until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water if too wet, add a tablespoon of flour.
  • Knead the dough using the dough hook for about 8 minutes until it's no longer sticky. The dough should completely clean the inside of the bowl.
    photo collage shows steps in making a Turkish bread recipe
  • Cover with linen towel and let it rise for 1 hour (it doubles in size).
  • Place sesame seeds in large shallow dish. Whisk together the molasses with water. Set both aside.
  • After 1 hour, punch the dough down and divide it into 16 pieces. Roll out 2 pieces into 20 inch tubes (like a breadstick).I first form the dough piece into a rectangle shape and starting from the center using both hands open, press and roll to yourself while spreading fingers to stretch dough. Repeat over and over along the dough to form long pieces.
    braiding bread dough and forming circles with it
  • Lay them parallel to each other. Pinch each end together to hold and then twist the dough in opposite directions to make spiral twist. Bring both the ends together and pinch them to make a ring. Set aside on parchment lined baking sheet.Repeat with the remaining 14 pieces to make 7 more rings.
  • Using one hand dip each ring in molasses mixture, turning to coat then in sesame seeds. Be sure to completely coat in sesame seeds. Place on a baking sheet and repeat with remaining rings.
    dipping yeast dough into molasses and sesame seeds
  • Cover loosely with linen towel and let it rise for another 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Bake for 14 minutes until golden brown. Best eaten after cooled slightly or allow to cool completely and store in airtight container or wrap in bag and seal.

Video

Notes

  1. Traditionally grape molasses is used, but I have also used pomegranate molasses.
  2. If you do not have toasted sesame seeds, toast the sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat, until golden, for several minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 510kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 299mg | Potassium: 252mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 2g | Calcium: 376mg | Iron: 8mg