Turkish Simit Recipe

Learn how to make Simit, aka Turkish Sesame Bagel, with these easy to follow step by step instructions.

Ingredients for Simit

- All purpose flour - Yeast & milk mixture - Kosher salt - Large egg - Vegetable oil

Activate the yeast

1

Place water, milk, sugar, and active dry yeast into a measuring cup. Give it a quick whisk, cover and let it sit on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes.

Make the dough

Place 5 cups of all-purpose flour, kosher salt, oil, egg, and now-risen yeast-milk mixture in a large mixing bowl. Start mixing by hand until it comes together.

2

Knead & Rest.

Lightly dust the counter with flour and transfer the dough. Knead by hand to form a smooth and elastic dough until the dough is not sticking to your fingers. Cover & rest.

3

Toast The Sesame Seeds

While the dough is rising, place sesame seeds in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, and toast until they turn golden brown.

4

Roll The Dough

Fold the dough from each end onto itself towards the middle, gently pinch, and roll into a cylinder. Cut it into equal pieces.

5

Shape The Dough

Roll each dough ball into a long strand. Fold the string onto itself using your finger to hold it in the middle. Twist the dough in the opposite direction to form a spiral rope.

6

Coat

Dip each simit with molasses and then with sesame seeds. Repeat the same process for the rest of the simit. Transfer onto the baking sheet.

7

Bake

Bake in the oven until golden brown making sure to rotate them from top to bottom halfway through the baking process. Let them cool for 5 minutes and serve while still warm.

8

Make This Now!

Be sure to check out the blog post for ingredient substitutions, helpful tips, serving and storage instructions.

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If you are a fan of simit, you might also like Turkish borek. It is made by layering phyllo dough with feta & spinach. Perfect for breakfast or brunch.