Discover the irresistible charm of Turkish cuisine with our delightful Simit, a scrumptious croissant-like bread encrusted with nutty sesame seeds! This beloved street food, often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, is a perfect blend of crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Istanbul. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a homemade treat, this Simit recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and create a batch of these delectable delights that are sure to become a favorite in your household!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Turkish
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup molasses
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 tablespoon of instant yeast. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and gradually add 1 cup of warm water and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the sesame seed coating. In a shallow dish, pour 1/2 cup of molasses. In another shallow dish, place 1/2 cup of sesame seeds.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 12-15 inches long.
- Shape each rope into a circle by twisting the ends together and pressing them to seal, forming a ring.
- Dip each ring into the molasses, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, roll the coated ring in the sesame seeds, pressing gently to make sure the seeds adhere well.
- Place the sesame-coated rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each to allow for expansion during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Let the shaped simit rest for about 10-15 minutes while the oven is heating up.
- Once the oven is preheated, bake the simit for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove the simit from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Simit Turkish Croissants with sesame seeds!
Tips
- Knead Well: Ensure you knead the dough thoroughly for about 10 minutes; this will help develop the gluten, giving your Simit the perfect chewy texture.
- Warm Environment: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can turn on your oven for a minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
- Molasses Coating: If you can’t find molasses, honey or a mixture of brown sugar and water can be used as a substitute for coating your Simit before rolling in sesame seeds.
- Seed Variation: Feel free to experiment with toppings! Try adding poppy seeds or a sprinkle of za'atar for an exciting twist on the traditional sesame topping.
- Storage: Keep any leftover Simit in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
