Simit

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 220°C and line a baking tray with baking paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, fine salt, and sugar. Add the lukewarm water and olive oil, then mix until a shaggy dough forms.

2. 2

   Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It should feel soft but not sticky; if it sticks heavily, dust your hands very lightly rather than adding much extra flour. Cover and let it rest for 15 minutes so the gluten relaxes and shaping is easier.

3. 3

   Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces, about 106 g each. Roll each piece into a rope about 35-40 cm long. Twist 2 ropes together, pinch the ends firmly, then join into a ring and seal well. Repeat with the remaining 2 ropes to make 2 rings.

4. 4

   In a shallow bowl, whisk together the grape molasses and water. Put the toasted sesame seeds in a second shallow bowl. Dip each ring first in the molasses mixture, coating all sides, then press into the sesame seeds until generously covered. Transfer to the tray, leaving space between them.

5. 5

   Bake for 16-18 minutes until deeply golden brown and crisp on the outside. For the best simit color, rotate the tray halfway through baking. The rings should feel light for their size and sound slightly hollow when tapped underneath.

6. 6

   Cool on the tray for 5 minutes before serving. Simit is best eaten warm, when the crust is crackly and the center is still tender.

Nutrition per serving

Notes

• •If your sesame seeds are not already toasted, toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant; cool before using.
• •Grape molasses is traditional, but date molasses can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be less classic.
• •For a more authentic bakery-style finish, place a small metal tray of hot water on the oven floor during baking to encourage shine and a slightly thinner crust.
• •Serve with Turkish tea, olives, sliced tomato, cucumber, and vegan cheese or jam for a classic street-breakfast feel.

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