Simit (Turkish twisted sesame seed buns)

Easy and delicious twisted bread rings with sesame seeds and carob molasses, called Turkish Simit. Perfect for breakfast, brunch or whenever in the car travelling, these bread rings are super easy to make at home.

Sesame Seeds Buns Recipe image

Today we will be making lovely freshly baked twisted buns, called Turkish Simit. No butter, no milk is needed to make these lovely bread rings. They are extra soft, delicate in taste and delicious. Simit is a popular (street) food in Turkey, across Greece, Cyprus and a number of eastern European countries.

Ever since I can remember simit has been sold and prepared across European bakeries. Some people even sell it on the streets in trolleys in Bulgaria. Their unique taste comes from a combination of ingredients. The light sweetness from molasses, combined with baked sesame seeds makes all the difference in my opinion. Traditionally, simit is enjoyed for breakfast or brunch. It can be paired with almost anything – from cheese, to milk to yogurt or even bacon. It all depends on what you prefer.

HOW TO MAKE Turkish SIMIT (sesame seeds twisted buns)

Preparing Turkish simit at home is fairly easy. Lets see how I make them:

First, mix all ingredients for the dough. The dough should be soft and not sticky. Let it sit to double its size.

Then, divide the dough in six equal parts. Each part should be subsequently divided in two. Make long sticks, equal in length. Twist them around each other. Then let the two ends meet.

Next, place on parchment paper until the dough is used. In two separate bowl add the molasses & water mix, and sesame seeds. Dip first in molasses, then in sesame seeds to cover all parts of the buns.

Finally, place on parchment paper and bake in preheated oven on 180C/360F for about 15-20 minutes, until golden. Let cool slightly and enjoy when still warm.

It’s that easy!

Turkish Simit Bread Rings Recipe image

WATCH HOW TO MAKE TURKISH SIMIT

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Simit (Turkish Sesame Seed Twisted Buns)

Delicious Turkish simit bread rings, covered with sesame seeds and sweet molasses. These breakfast (or brunch) sesame seed rings are delicious and extra easy to prepare.
CourseBreakfast
CuisineTurkish
Keywordbread, bread rings, sesame seeds, twisted buns
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

Simit Bread Twisted Buns

  • 500 g while unbleached flour
  • 300 ml lukewarm water (or low fat cow's milk)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 10 g fresh yeast (2 tsp dried yeast)
  • pinch of brown sugar
  • pinch of salt (Himalayan pink)

Topping

  • 1/2 cup liquid carob molasses (can use fig too)
  • 1/2 cup water (for mixing with molasses if too thick
  • 1 cup wholesome sesame seeds (fresh)

Instructions

  • In a small mixing bowl add crumbled fresh yeast, pinch of brown sugar and 4 tbsp. of the lukewarm water. Cover for 10-15 min and let yeast activate (until it gets bubbly).
  • In a large mixing bowl add flour, remaining water, pinch of salt and olive oil. When yeast activates add to the mix as well. Using hands/ kitchen robot form a soft non-sticky dough. Let the dough sit for an hour ( more or less until it doubles in size).
  • Divide the dough in six (6) parts. Then additionally divide each piece in two. Make two long (equal in length) dough sticks. Then swirl around each other (see photos above) and form a ring. Press sides to avoid breakage during baking. Repeat until dough is used up.
  • In a large bowl add molasses and water and mix until well combined. In a separate bowl add sesame seeds. Dip each simit ring in molasses, then in sesame seeds (cover both sides).
  • Place on baking paper and let rise for 20-30 minutes. Then bake in preheated oven (360F/180C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden. Let cool and enjoy with some milk, butter or even jam.

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