Description
At its core, traditional simit is a circular, sesame-encrusted bread with a distinctively chewy texture and a deep golden color. It is often described by travelers as a Turkish bagel, though the preparation method is entirely unique. Unlike bagels, which are boiled in plain water before baking, simit is dipped in a sweet bath of diluted fruit molasses—traditionally grape molasses—and then coated heavily in toasted sesame seeds. This molasses bath caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving the bread its signature deep bronze color and a hint of smoky sweetness that balances the savory dough.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1¼ cups (300 ml) warm water
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp yogurt (optional, for softer dough)
For the Filling
- 200 g Turkish white cheese, feta, or mozzarella, crumbled or shredded
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
- Pinch of black pepper
For the Topping
- ½ cup sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp grape molasses (pekmez) or honey
- 3 tbsp water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
- Add flour, salt, olive oil, and yogurt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
- Mix the cheese with parsley and black pepper.
- Set aside while preparing the dough.
3. Shape the Simit
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a small oval or rope shape.
- Add a portion of cheese filling in the center.
- Seal the dough around the filling and shape into a ring.
- Mix molasses with water and dip each simit into the mixture.
- Coat generously with sesame seeds.
4. Bake
- Place the simit on a lined baking tray.
- Let them rest for 15 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
Notes
Store leftover simit in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the crispy crust and soft texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 simit
- Calories: 320 kcal
Keywords: Stuffed Turkish bagel, savory cheese simit, cheese filled simit recipe