Turkish Simits
Description
Prepare the dough according to the step‑by‑step instructions, shape the bagels—simits, dip them sequentially in a sweet solution, then in toasted sesame seeds, let them proof for 20 minutes and bake for 20 minutes at 200 °C. They can be served with tea or coffee.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Prepare the ingredients according to the list for this recipe.
- 2
Step 2
Pour half a cup of warm water into a bowl, add the yeast, salt, and sugar.
- 3
Step 3
Mix the yeast with water and add 2 tablespoons of flour from the total amount, stir until smooth – this will be the starter.
- 4
Step 4
Place the starter in a warm place for 15 minutes to “wake up” the yeast.
- 5
Step 5
Add vegetable oil to the pre-ferment.
- 6
Step 6
Sift the flour into a bowl.
- 7
Step 7
Knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes.
- 8
Step 8
Grease the rim of the bowl with vegetable oil, place the dough in it, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1.5–2 hours.
- 9
Step 9
While the dough is proofing, toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan until they reach a light golden color. Watch the process carefully so you don’t over‑toast the sesame seeds.
- 10
Step 10
Dissolve the molasses or honey in a glass of water; if it seems not sweet enough, you can add a tablespoon of granulated sugar.
- 11
Step 11
At this point the dough should have risen well in volume. Place the dough on the table, no need to dust it with flour.
- 12
Step 12
Divide the dough into 5 equal parts; ideally each piece of dough should weigh 120 grams.
- 13
Step 13
Roll each piece of dough into a thin rope about 80 cm long.
- 14
Step 14
Fold the braid in half and twist it into a cord, leaving a loop on one side.
- 15
Step 15
Insert the free ends into the loop and secure them together, closing the circle.
- 16
Step 16
Roll the joint area with your hand, gently stretching it sideways.
- 17
Step 17
This is what the finished simit looks like.
- 18
Step 18
Dip the simit in the sweet solution on both sides.
- 19
Step 19
Then coat both sides with sesame seeds.
- 20
Step 20
Place the ready simits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, let them proof for 20 minutes, then bake in a preheated 200 °C oven for 20 minutes.
- 21
Step 21
Take the ready bagels—simits—out of the oven.
- 22
Step 22
We pour tea and enjoy the most aromatic bagels – simits. Words can’t describe how delicious they are.