Simit — Istanbul Sesame Bread Rings

Simit is Türkiye’s iconic sesame-crusted bread ring, sold from bakeries and street carts. Its deep color and distinctive flavor come from a thin coating of diluted grape molasses before the dough is covered with toasted sesame.

MAKES 8 | PREP 35 MIN + RISING | COOK 18 MIN

INGREDIENTS

• 500 g bread flour

• 7 g instant yeast

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1½ tsp salt

• 300 ml lukewarm water

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 80 ml grape molasses (üzüm pekmezi)

• 80 ml water, for the coating

• 250 g sesame seeds, toasted

METHOD

1. Mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, water, and olive oil. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover and rise 60 minutes.

2. Divide into 16 pieces. Roll each into a rope; twist two ropes together and join the ends firmly to form a ring.

3. Mix molasses with 80 ml water. Dip each ring, then coat generously in toasted sesame.

4. Rest 15 minutes while the oven heats to 230°C / 450°F.

5. Bake on a preheated tray or stone for 15–18 minutes until deeply browned and crisp outside.

6. Cool briefly and serve with tea, white cheese, tomatoes, and olives.

AUTHENTICITY NOTE

Simit is thinner, crisper, and more deeply sesame-coated than an American bagel; it is not boiled.