Bread & rolls
Sesame-crusted simit rings
Simit gains its dark sesame surface from a molasses dip.
- Total time
- 200 min
- Servings / pieces
- 8
- Topic
- Bread & rolls
Simit gains its dark sesame surface from a molasses dip. Two twisted ropes form each ring. Seeds cover almost the whole surface, so use a broad bowl where the shaped rings can be turned easily. The timing includes the stated rises, which can take longer in a cool kitchen. Watch volume and dough tension as well as the clock. Weigh flour and liquid, keeping extra dusting flour separate from the measured dough ingredients.
Method
Step by step
- 01
Mix
Mix flour, water, yeast, salt and oil. Separately stir molasses with 80 g water.
- 02
Develop the dough
Knead for about eight to ten minutes by hand or at low mixer speed. The dough should become cohesive and elastic. Brief pauses help if the mixture still tears readily while you are working it.
- 03
Let rise
Cover and rise for 75 minutes until noticeably enlarged.
- 04
Shape
Divide into sixteen pieces and roll into 30 cm ropes. Twist pairs and join into rings. Dip into molasses water, coat with sesame and prove for 25 minutes.
- 05
Bake
Bake at a preheated 220°C conventional for 20–25 minutes until brown. Watch the sesame near the end to prevent scorching.
- 06
Cool
Cool on a wire rack so steam can escape from the underside too. Slice only once the crumb is no longer hot; cutting too early can compress the interior and make it seem gummy.
Times are a guide. Your hob, oven and ingredients affect the result; use the cooking cues as well as the clock.
Ingredients and dough texture
Grape molasses is often sold as pekmez. It adds colour and a fruity, slightly bitter note. The dough contains no additional sugar. Pre-toasted sesame darkens faster; raw seeds are easier to control.
Serving and storing
Serve fresh with tomatoes, cucumbers and cheese. Freeze rings for longer storage and refresh briefly after thawing rather than leaving them wrapped while damp.
Kitchen questions
One more question?
Why do rings open?
Overlap and firmly press the ends together.
Is beet syrup equivalent?
Its flavour differs; use grape molasses for the described result.
How can I make an even sesame layer?
Drain briefly after the molasses dip and turn the ring in seeds rather than throwing seeds over it. Press lightly without flattening the twists. Remove loose seeds from the tray before baking.
