Authentic Turkish Simit Recipe

Dive into the art of making Simit, a traditional Turkish sesame bread. Enjoy it fresh with a cup of Turkish tea for a delightful breakfast experience.
A white plate with two twisted bagels, resembling Turkish Simit and topped with sesame seeds, placed on a light gray surface.
A round, sesame-seeded bread roll reminiscent of an authentic Turkish Simit recipe rests on a white plate next to a fork, a glass of light-colored liquid, a white cloth, and some parsley on a white surface.

Authentic Turkish Simit Recipe

A man in an apron standing in a kitchen.Michael O'Connor
Simit is a popular Turkish sesame-crusted bread, often enjoyed for breakfast with a cup of strong Turkish tea.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Meal Type Breakfast
Cuisine Turkish
Servings 6
Calories 489 kcal
Difficulty Medium
Ingredient Cost $4
Shopping Cost$20

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Oven
  • Small saucepan

Ingredients
 
 

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup water warm
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ cup water for dipping
  • ½ cup molasses for dipping
  • 1 cup sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
    1 cup water, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture and knead until a soft dough forms. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
    3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Divide the dough into 6 equal parts. Roll each piece into a long rope, then shape into a ring and pinch the ends to seal.
  • In a small saucepan, mix 1/2 cup water with molasses and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat.
    1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup molasses
  • Dip each ring into the molasses mixture, then coat with sesame seeds.
    1 cup sesame seeds
  • Place the rings on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature with Turkish tea.

Notes

For an extra crunch, toast the sesame seeds before coating the dough rings.
Simit pairs wonderfully with cheese and olives.

Nutrition

Calories: 489kcalCarbohydrates: 81gProtein: 12gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 412mgPotassium: 638mgFiber: 5gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 0.003mgCalcium: 331mgIron: 8mg
Keyword Breakfast, Sesame, Simit, Traditional Recipe, Turkish Bread

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

As a travel blogger from Kuala Lumpur, Aisha's mornings in Istanbul often start with a bite of Simit and a cup of strong Turkish tea. This sesame-crusted bread is a staple of Turkish breakfasts and perfectly captures the city's blend of old and new. For Aisha, enjoying Simit in the morning is not just about the taste but the experience of immersing herself in the local culture and traditions. It's these little moments that make her journey so rewarding.

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