Crusty Turkish Simit with Sesame and Grape Molasses Glaze
Golden, ring-shaped bread encrusted in a thick coat of toasted sesame seeds, with a chewy interior and a satisfying crackle on the outside. These iconic Turkish street breads get their distinctive mahogany color and subtle sweetness from a pekmez (grape molasses) glaze before their sesame seed bath. Fresh from the oven with butter and white cheese, they are the taste of an Istanbul morning.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
+ 9 more ingredients
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add the warm water and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 24 inches long.
Fold each rope in half and twist the two strands around each other, then join the ends to form a ring. Pinch the seam firmly to seal.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the pekmez and warm water to make the glaze.
Dip each twisted ring into the pekmez glaze, turning to coat all sides, then immediately press both sides into the sesame seeds, packing them on generously.
Place the simit on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 3 inches apart. Let rest for 15 minutes.
Bake for 18-20 minutes until deep golden brown and the sesame seeds are toasted.
Transfer to a wire rack and serve warm with butter, white cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives.
Nutrition Estimate
Per serving • Estimated by Blinner AI