Simit (Turkish Sesame Bread Rings)

Simit are small bread rings made with a yeast dough and coated with toasted sesame seeds that are a popular Turkish snack or street food.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 405 Calories

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 5 tablespoons water
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ cup sesame seeds

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Bake in the preheated oven until golden and crusty, about 20 minutes.

Step 3

Toast sesame seeds in a dry frying pan over low heat until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye as they change color very quickly.

Step 4

Combine flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the flour mixture and add water, milk, melted butter, and olive oil; stir well until dough pulls together. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.

Step 5

Place dough in a large, lightly-oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 6

Divide dough in to 8 parts and roll each part into a 6- to 8-inch long rope. Join ends together and seal to form a ring. Place rings on prepared baking sheet, cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 15 minutes.

Step 7

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Brush rings with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds.