Simit is a beloved Turkish breakfast staple, often referred to as a Turkish bagel. With its golden, crispy crust and soft, chewy interior, simit is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. This traditional bread is coated with sesame seeds, adding a delightful nutty flavor to every bite.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to make your own traditional Turkish simit at home. Whether you enjoy it plain, with cheese, or spread with jam, simit is a versatile and delicious addition to your breakfast table. Let’s dive into the recipe for Traditional Turkish Simit!

Why This Recipe?

Simit is more than just bread; it’s a cultural experience. Making simit at home allows you to enjoy this authentic Turkish treat fresh from the oven. This recipe is straightforward and rewarding, providing you with delicious, homemade simit that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.

This Traditional Turkish Simit is a delightful way to bring a taste of Turkey to your kitchen. Enjoy it with your favorite accompaniments for a truly satisfying breakfast.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the Coating:

• 1/2 cup molasses (grape or date molasses works best)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups sesame seeds

Instructions

Preparing the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil.
3. Gradually mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shaping and Coating the Simit:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Divide the risen dough into equal-sized balls (about 8-10 pieces).
3. Roll each ball into a long rope (about 18 inches).
4. Fold the rope in half and twist the two strands together. Bring the ends together to form a ring and press to seal.
5. In a shallow bowl, mix the molasses and water.
6. Dip each ring into the molasses mixture, then coat with sesame seeds.

Baking the Simit:

1. Place the coated rings on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the simit are golden brown and crispy.

Serving:

1. Allow the simit to cool slightly before serving.
2. Enjoy your homemade simit with cheese, olives, tomatoes, or jam.

Print Pin

Traditional Turkish Simit: A Breakfast Delight

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 25 minutes minutes

A traditional Turkish breakfast bread, simit is coated with sesame seeds and has a golden, crispy crust with a soft, chewy interior.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup molasses (grape or date molasses works best)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups sesame seeds

Instructions 

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil.
• Gradually mix until a soft dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Divide the risen dough into equal-sized balls (about 8-10 pieces).
• Roll each ball into a long rope (about 18 inches).
• Fold the rope in half and twist the two strands together. Bring the ends together to form a ring and press to seal.
• In a shallow bowl, mix the molasses and water.
• Dip each ring into the molasses mixture, then coat with sesame seeds.
• Place the coated rings on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the simit are golden brown and crispy.
• Allow the simit to cool slightly before serving.
• Enjoy your homemade simit with cheese, olives, tomatoes, or jam.