Simit Bread

Introduction to Simit

Simit, a popular street food, traces its origins to the bustling streets of the Ottoman Empire, particularly in Istanbul. Known for its crunchy exterior and soft inner layers, this circular bread is coated with sesame seeds. Today, simit is enjoyed across Turkey and many countries in the Middle East as a staple breakfast item or as a snack with tea.

Ingredients

• Flour - 500g
• Sugar - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Active dry yeast - 2 teaspoons
• Warm water - 250ml
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Molasses - 4 tablespoons
• Sesame seeds - 150g

Preparation Steps

1. In a bowl, mix the yeast, sugar, and water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Knead the mixture until you get a smooth dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Shaping and Coating

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
2. Divide the risen dough into 10 equal parts. Roll each part into a rope of about 30 cm.
3. Take each rope and bring the ends together to form a ring. Press the ends tightly to seal.
4. Mix the molasses with about 75 ml of water in a shallow dish.
5. Dip each ring into the molasses mixture, then coat thoroughly with sesame seeds.

Cooking Process

1. Place the simit rings on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown. Use a cooking timer to track the time.
3. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoying Simit Bread

Simit is traditionally enjoyed fresh out of the oven. It is commonly served with a side of feta cheese, olives, and cucumbers. Pairing it with a warm cup of tea or a glass of ayran, a yogurt-based drink, enhances the experience. Many people enjoy simit as part of their breakfast routine or as a mid-day snack.

Storage tips: You can store leftover simit in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To refresh stale simit, sprinkle it with a bit of water and warm it in the oven.