The Best Breads From Around the World and How to Make Them at Home

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Simit (Turkey)

Simit is a beloved Turkish street food, known for its crisp exterior, chewy interior, and generous coating of sesame seeds. This ring-shaped bread is traditionally enjoyed with a cup of Turkish tea, paired with cheese, olives, or honey. With its nutty sesame flavor and satisfying texture, simit is a delicious and versatile snack perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients (for 8 servings):

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• ½ cup warm milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup grape molasses (or pomegranate molasses)
• ½ cup water (for molasses mixture)
• 1½ cups sesame seeds, toasted

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 min. until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 20 inches in length, then form a ring by twisting the two ends together and pinching them to seal.
5. In a shallow bowl, mix the grape molasses with ½ cup water. Dip each dough ring into the molasses mixture, then roll it in the toasted sesame seeds until well-coated.
6. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the simit rings on the sheet and bake for 15-18 min. or until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
7. Let the simit cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with cheese, olives, or a hot cup of Turkish tea.