Bread Story
Walk through any Turkish street early in the morning and you'll smell these before you see them. Simit is Turkey's famous sesame-crusted bread ring—crisp on the outside, soft and slightly chewy inside, with a rich toasted sesame flavour in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, stuffed with cheese, or served alongside soup and grilled meats.
You’ll Need
Makes 6 simit rings
For the Dough
500g strong white bread flour
7g fast-action dried yeast
1 tsp caster sugar
2 tsp sea salt
300ml warm water
2 tbsp olive oil
Coating
3 tbsp grape molasses (or black treacle mixed with 1 tbsp warm water)
100ml warm water
150g toasted sesame seeds
Optional but Dangerous
Turkish white cheese
Sliced tomatoes
Black olives
Salted butter
Honey
Method
Mix together the flour, yeast, sugar and sea salt in a large bowl.
Add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until soft and elastic.
Cover and leave to rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.
Roll each portion into a rope approximately 35cm long.
Twist two ropes together, then join the ends firmly to form a ring.
Mix the grape molasses with the warm water in a shallow bowl.
Dip each ring into the molasses mixture, then coat generously in the toasted sesame seeds.
Place onto baking paper and leave to prove for 20–30 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C.
Air fry the simit in batches for 12–15 minutes, until deep golden brown with a crisp, sesame-coated crust.
Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool slightly before serving.