Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup milk (warm)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Sesame Coating:
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup warm water (for dipping the dough)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add the warm water, warm milk, and olive oil (or melted butter) to the flour mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rest for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Shape the Simit:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a long rope, about 12 inches (30 cm) long.
- Form each rope into a circle by pinching the ends together to create a ring. Gently twist the dough to create a spiral pattern, which is typical of simit.
3. Prepare the Sesame Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the sesame seeds.
- In a separate shallow bowl, pour warm water.
4. Coat the Simit:
- Dip each dough ring into the warm water for a quick moment, then immediately roll it in the sesame seeds. Ensure the entire surface of the dough is well-coated with sesame seeds.
5. Let the Simit Rise:
- Place the coated simit rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a clean cloth and let them rest for about 15-20 minutes to rise slightly.
6. Bake the Simit:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Before placing the simit in the oven, brush each one with the beaten egg to give it a nice golden finish.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the simit are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Serve:
- Once baked, let the simit cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm.
- Simit is typically served with a cup of Turkish tea, cheese, olives, or jam for breakfast, but it’s also perfect as a snack anytime during the day.
Tips:
- For extra crunch: If you prefer a crunchier simit, you can bake them for a few extra minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
- Make them smaller: You can make mini-simit for a fun snack or appetizer.
- Freezing tip: Simit can be frozen before baking. After shaping the dough and coating with sesame seeds, place them on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then store them in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time).
Enjoy:
Simit is crunchy, nutty, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea or simply grabbing it as a snack, this Turkish sesame bagel is sure to delight your taste buds!