Simit

Simit

Simit (see-MEET)

Turkish Sesame Bread Ring

Prep Time 2 hours
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
6
🔥 Calories 291 kcal

A crusty circular bread ring coated in a thick layer of toasted sesame seeds, golden-brown with a satisfying chew and nutty aroma throughout.

Nutrition & Info

290 kcal per serving
Protein 9.0g
Carbs 48.0g
Fat 7.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ sesame

Equipment Needed

baking sheet mixing bowl pastry brush wire rack

Presentation Guide

Vessel: paper napkin or wooden board

Garnishes: sesame seeds

Accompaniments: Turkish tea, white cheese, olives

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix flour, yeast, salt, and sugar, then add warm water and olive oil, kneading for ten minutes until smooth and elastic.

  2. 2

    Cover dough and let rise in a warm place for one hour until doubled in size, then punch down and divide into six pieces.

  3. 3

    Roll each piece into a long rope about sixty centimeters, then twist two ropes together and form into a ring shape.

  4. 4

    Mix grape molasses with warm water in a shallow dish, then dip each ring fully into the molasses mixture on all sides.

  5. 5

    Roll the coated rings generously in sesame seeds, pressing firmly so seeds adhere thickly and evenly across the entire surface.

  6. 6

    Place on a lined baking sheet, let rest fifteen minutes, then bake at 220 degrees Celsius for eighteen minutes until deep golden.

💡

Did You Know?

Istanbul alone consumes an estimated 2.5 million simits every single day, sold by roaming street vendors carrying traditional glass carts.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • baking sheet
  • mixing bowl
  • pastry brush
  • wire rack

Garnishing

sesame seeds

Accompaniments

Turkish tea, white cheese, olives

The Story Behind Simit

Simit has been a staple of Istanbul street food since at least the 1500s, documented in Ottoman court records. The iconic glass-sided simit carts are a protected cultural symbol of Turkish cities, and the bread ring has become synonymous with Turkish identity.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed breakfast or street snack 📜 Origins: Ottoman Empire, 16th century

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