Baking Simits

Simit is a circular bread, often described as a Turkish sesame bagel or a sesame-encrusted bread ring. It’s a staple of Turkish bakeries and street food culture, famously enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack with tea.

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Key Characteristics

• Shape: Ring-shaped, like a large bagel but lighter and less dense.

• Texture: Crunchy and golden crust, chewy inside.

• Topping: Coated generously with sesame seeds (sometimes poppy seeds or sunflower seeds).

• Size: Usually about 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) in diameter.

• Taste: Mildly sweet dough with nutty sesame flavor on the crust.

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History of Simit

• The word simit derives from the Arabic word samīd, meaning “fine flour” or “white bread.”

• Simit has been around for centuries, with records of sesame-coated bread rings appearing in Ottoman Empire texts dating back to the 16th century.

• It was traditionally sold by street vendors called simitçi, who carried large trays balancing simits on their heads or shoulders.

• It’s considered a symbol of Turkish street food culture and Istanbul’s daily life, often enjoyed with tea, cheese, olives, or jam.

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How is Simit Eaten?

• Commonly eaten plain or with spreads like butter, cream cheese, or honey.

• Served alongside Turkish breakfast staples: fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, boiled eggs, and tea.

• Sold everywhere in Turkey—from bakeries to street carts—making it accessible and affordable.

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Basic Ingredients

• Flour

• Water

• Yeast

• Sugar (small amount, to feed the yeast and add mild sweetness)

• Salt

• Sesame seeds (for coating)

• A dip in molasses water before sesame to make the seeds stick and give the crust color

Turkish Simit Recipe (Makes 6 rings)

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 Times

• Preparation & kneading: 20 minutes

• First rise: 1 hour

• Shaping & second rise: 30 minutes

• Baking: 15–20 minutes

• Total time: About 2 hours 10 minutes

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 Ingredients

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Equipment

• Large mixing bowl

• Baking tray(s) lined with parchment paper

• Pastry brush or small bowl for dipping

• Clean surface for shaping dough

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Preparation

1. Activate yeast

• In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

2. Make dough

• In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.

• Add yeast mixture and knead until a soft, elastic dough forms (about 10 minutes by hand or 5 with a mixer).

• Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size.

3. Prepare molasses dip

• Mix molasses and water in a shallow bowl until smooth.

4. Shape simit

• Punch down dough and divide into 6 equal pieces.

• Roll each piece into a long rope (~60 cm / 24 inches).

• Fold rope in half, twist the two strands around each other, then fold ends together to form a ring. Pinch ends firmly.

5. Dip and coat

• Dip each ring first into the molasses-water mixture, then dredge thoroughly in sesame seeds, pressing lightly so seeds stick.

6. Second rise

• Place coated rings on parchment-lined trays.

• Cover loosely and let rest 30 minutes.

7. Bake

• Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).

• Bake simit for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and crunchy.

• Cool on wire racks.

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Serving suggestions

• Enjoy warm with Turkish tea, white cheese, olives, or jam.

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Approximate nutrition (per simit)

• Calories: ~300 kcal

• Carbs: ~50g

• Protein: ~8g

• Fat: ~4g