Turkish Simit is a quintessential street food that holds a special place in Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine, including Egypt. Often referred to as “Turkish bagels,” these sesame bread rings are notably light and fluffy, with a slightly sweet and nutty taste owing to the honey and sesame seeds. Simit are enjoyed any time of the day, typically with tea.
This authentic recipe embraces simplicity, ensuring anyone can recreate these delicious rings at home. Its origins trace back to the Ottoman Empire, and the method has been passed down through generations. Simit has also found popularity in neighboring regions, known as Armenian bagels in some areas, testifying to its widespread appeal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup liquid milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp yeast (not full)
- 5 cups flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup honey (or molasses)
- 1½ cups water
- 3 cups sesame seeds
Preparation
- Mix milk, water, egg, vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, and yeast. Let it ferment for 10 minutes until the yeast reacts.
- Add 5 cups of flour and ½ tsp salt to the mixture. Knead until a soft dough forms; the dough should be slightly soft to ensure fluffy simit.
- Place the dough in a clean dish, cover, and let it rest for an hour.
- Mix honey (or molasses) with 1½ cups of water.
- After an hour, knead the dough to release air, then divide it into 16 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a ball and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Extend each ball by rolling and twisting the sides together to form rings. Secure the ends.
- Dip each ring in the honey-water mixture, then cover thoroughly with sesame seeds.
- Place the rings on baking trays.
- Preheat oven to 200°C. Bake, starting with heat from the bottom. Once the bottom browns, turn on the top grill to brown the tops as well.
Did you know?
The making of simit dates back to the 16th century during the Ottoman Empire, making it a snack rich in history.
Simit is often sold by street vendors in Turkey, whose call of “simitci!” is a familiar sound in bustling cities like Istanbul. The recipe carries slight regional variations; for example, in some areas of Turkey, grape molasses is used for coating, adding a unique flavor profile. Despite being simple and easy to make, simit is often mistaken for sourdough bread due to its slight sour undertone given by the fermentation process.
Nutritionally, each piece roughly contains 200-250 calories, making it a relatively light snack. Today, simit remains a beloved authentic treat not just in Turkey, but also in Egypt, where it is popularly enjoyed for breakfast or as a midday snack with black tea. So, the next time you’re reminiscing about its history and origin, remember the simplicity and love that goes into making this delectable bread ring.
