This Turkish Bread Will Surprise You! | Simit Recipe

Learn how to make authentic Turkish Simit — the iconic sesame-crusted bread loved across Turkey!
This recipe gives you that perfect crispy outside and soft, chewy inside using just simple ingredients.
No mixer, no fancy tools — just your hands and a bit of patience.

Whether you enjoy it plain, with cheese, or a cup of tea, this homemade simit tastes just like the ones from Istanbul streets.

Ingredients

• 325g bread flour (2 ½ cups)

• 195g warm water (¾ cup + 1 tbsp)

• 4g instant yeast (1 tsp)

• 12g sugar (1 tbsp)

• 1 tsp salt

• 100g sesame seeds (¾ cup)

• 100g grape molasses (⅓ cup)

• 60g water (¼ cup) for dipping mix

Instructions

1. Activate yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.

2. Form dough: Add flour gradually, mix until a rough dough forms.

3. Knead: Transfer to a surface and knead 4–6 minutes until smooth.

4. Rest: Divide into 4 logs, cover, and rest for 30 minutes.

5. Toast sesame seeds: Meanwhile, toast sesame seeds in a pan until golden; set aside.

6. Shape: Divide each log into two, roll each piece 30–40 cm long. Twist two strands together and form a ring.

7. Dip: Mix grape molasses with water. Dip each ring in molasses water, then coat completely with sesame seeds.

8. Proof: Place on parchment-lined tray, cover, and let rise for 1½ hours until puffy.

9. Stretch: Gently widen each ring slightly for the classic simit shape.

10. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 235°C (455°F) for 10 minutes, then lower to 200°C (390°F) and bake another 10 minutes until deep golden brown.

11. Cool & serve: Let cool on a rack before serving. Enjoy warm with cheese, olives, or tea!

Notes

• Molasses mix gives the simit its signature color and flavor. Grape molasses is traditional, but you can use date or pomegranate molasses.

• Toasting the sesame seeds intensifies the flavor and aroma — don’t skip this step!

• Avoid overproofing; they should double in size, not collapse.

• For extra crispiness, bake with a small tray of hot water in the oven for the first 5 minutes.

Enjoy your simit warm with cheese and tea — see you in the next video!