Turkish Simit Recipe Tutorial

This Simit recipe will give you classic warm, soft Turkish bread rings an absolute delight! These circular breads are often called Turkish bagels and have a distinctive flavor profile and a pleasant crunch. My recipe is super easy to follow for incredible results every time!

Simit is a popular Turkish Bagel and street food in Turkey, and you can find many selling it in the streets of Istanbul. It looks like an American bagel except it’s not boiled before baking; it’s sesame-crusted bread and is softer in texture from the inside.

This Turkish Simit recipe is egg-free. Having a simit with feta cheese and slices of olives transforms your breakfast into a sophisticated and royal-like breakfast. Watch the video tutorial and the step-by-step images below to see how easy it is to make this amazing bread! You can enjoy it with Turkish Lentil soup or with a Cream of mushroom soup.

❤️ WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Easy to make: This simit recipe is straightforward with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. There’s no need for a rolling pin and you can even prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight, making your morning baking a breeze.

Crowd pleaser: This Turkish Simit recipe is a popular street food in Turkey for a reason – it is simply delicious! Serve it warm with jam, honey, or feta cheese, and you’ve got a royal-like breakfast that is sure to impress.

Healthier option: This Turkish simit is egg-free, making it a healthier alternative to traditional bagels. It is a great way to enjoy a delicious, satisfying breakfast or snack.

Adaptable: The simit can be made with either all-purpose flour or bread flour, depending on your personal preference. The molasses can also be substituted with a homemade dark brown sugar syrup, giving you options depending on what you have on hand.

🍊 INGREDIENTS

More details about the ingredients and measurements are in the recipe card below!

All-purpose flour: You can use a combination of all-purpose and bread flour, but since Turkish simit is lighter in texture than American bagels it is best to stick with all-purpose flour.

Yeast: I have used active dry yeast. You can use the yeast you have available at home, but use the same measurement as the active yeast.

Vegetable oil: When baking bread, I like to add a little oil even if the recipe doesn’t call for it. Oil makes the bread softer in texture with tender crumbs.

Molasses: If you don’t have molasses-like (grape molasses and pomegranate molasses) read the notes section in the recipe card below to learn how to make a substitute. I have included the making of the molasses substitute in the video tutorial.

🔪 INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1

Making simit starts by adding the water, yeast, and sugar to a mixing bowl and mixing it well. We are not proofing the yeast here since I am using active dry yeast, but it is to make sure that the yeast has dissolved.

Step 2

In a different bowl, we will add the flour, salt, and oil. Make sure to mix the ingredients well.

Step 3

Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour and knead. The dough will be sticky at first but will turn into a smooth dough after a few minutes of kneading. You can also use a stand mixer.

Step 4

Cover the dough and let it rise for one hour to one and a half-hour. Proofing time may be longer if your kitchen is cold.

Step 5

Now that you are waiting for the dough to rise, toast the sesame seeds if you didn’t buy a toasted sesame seed. Toasting sesame seeds brings out more flavor and amazing aroma.

Step 6

This recipe will make 4 medium size simits. Form 4 equal-sized balls; roll out the balls into a 20 to 22-inch rope. Fold the rope in half, braid both halves of the rope, join two ends together to form a circle, press the ends firmly to seal.

Step 7

Mix the molasses with water, and on another plate, add the sesame seeds. Dip the simit from both sides in the molasses first and then in the sesame seeds, then place the bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 8

Cover the simit with a damp cloth and let it proof and rise again for 30 minutes, of course, if your kitchen is cold then you will need to proof it longer.

Step 9

Bake the bread for 15 to 17 minutes in a preheated oven. Your delicious Simit is ready to be served with some Turkish tea!

👩🏽‍🍳 PRO TIPS

Kneading to perfection: The dough will be sticky initially, but don’t be tempted to add extra flour. Keep kneading for at least 7 minutes and the dough will gradually become firmer and smoother.

Substituting Molasses: If you don’t have molasses available, you can substitute it with a homemade dark brown sugar syrup. However, keep in mind that using the substitute may result in a lighter color simit.

Preparing Ahead: If you want fresh simit for breakfast without the early morning kneading, you can prepare the dough the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just remember to let the simit proof after forming them into rings before baking.

Choosing Your Flour: If you decide to use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour, remember that you may need to adjust the amount of water slightly. The amount can vary depending on the brand of flour you’re using.

📋 VARIATIONS

Add olives: For a Mediterranean twist, try adding finely chopped olives to your dough. The olives will add a salty, briny flavor that perfectly compliments the sweet molasses glaze and toasty sesame seeds.

Make it gluten-free: For those with dietary restrictions, you can make a gluten-free simit by using gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Be sure to check the consistency of the dough as gluten-free flour can sometimes be more absorbent and may require additional liquid.

Cinnamon sugar: If you have a sweet tooth, this variation is for you. Swap the sesame seeds for a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar before baking. The cinnamon sugar will caramelize on the outside, giving the simit a sweet, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread inside.

🍽️ HOW TO SERVE

With cheese: Simit is usually served with feta cheese. Most people have it in the morning therefore it can be served with eggs, different types of cheese, butter, or jam. Some cut this bread in half, spread the feta cheese on one half, and top it with slices of cucumber, olives, and tomato.

Pair with eggs: For a hearty breakfast, pair simit with scrambled eggs or an omelet. The fluffy texture of the eggs provides a nice contrast to the crunchy simit, making it a fulfilling start to the day.

Simit with a hot beverage: Enjoy simit as a part of your morning or afternoon tea. The warm beverage and the crunchy bread complement each other well, making it a great snack option.

Enjoy with a savory spread: There’s nothing quite like a simple yet savory spread of Smooth hummus or baba ganoush with simit. These Middle Eastern dips add a delicious and creamy edge to the crunchy sesame-crusted bread.

💬 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

🌡️ STORING

To keep the simit on the kitchen counter, place it in a Ziplock bag, and make sure to take out as much air from the bag as you can. The simit will stay fresh for up to three days.

To freeze, place the bread in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months.

When you are ready to have the simit, place it on the countertop and let it thaw, or you can place it in a preheated oven at 400F/200C for 10 – 15 minutes without thawing.

📣 MORE BREAD RECIPES YOU’LL LIKE

Must Try Recipes

• Hummus with tahini: A smooth Middle Eastern vegan dip. It’s interesting how only 7 ingredients can make a heavenly-tasting dip.
• Turkish Lentil Soup: Delicious red lentil soup with a beautifully creamy texture without using any cream!
• Strawberry Fridge Jam: In this version, you get to eat the jam almost right away without the hassle of long steps.
• Tahini sauce: will infuse your meals with the rich, distinctive flavors of garlic, lemon juice, and cumin. 

⭐PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW

If you have tried this recipe and liked it, please give it a 5-star rating and leave a comment below with your experience!