SAEDNEWS: In this article, we’ll show you how to make Turkish simit at home. This delicious bread is easy to prepare and can be made with simple ingredients.
According to Saednews, Simit has a light, airy, and hollow texture. The addition of yeast gives this bread its soft and tender interior. It is considered one of the types of enriched, substantial breads and makes a delicious and versatile snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Simit has a long history dating back to the 15th century. According to historical accounts, during Ramadan, the ruler of the time prepared simit bread for his soldiers and gave it to them as a gift. This is one reason why, in Turkish culture, simit has traditionally been regarded as a valuable gift and offering.
Simit is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or simply as a snack. Here is a step-by-step guide to making homemade Turkish simit.
½ cup (140 g) milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 cup lukewarm water
4 cups flour
8 tablespoons oil
1½ cups toasted sesame seeds
2–3 tablespoons grape molasses, date syrup, mulberry syrup, or fig syrup
For the best results, keep in mind that the longer you make the dough ropes, the better. If they are too short, the center hole will become smaller after the dough rests, making it difficult for the bread to develop the traditional simit shape.
Also, make sure to preheat the oven. Heat it to 180°C (350°F) for about 10–15 minutes before preparing the bread.
Avoid adding excessive flour to the dough, as this can make the finished simit dry.
Pour the lukewarm water into a glass. It should be warm but not hot enough to burn your hand.
Add the sugar and stir well. Cover the glass and let the yeast mixture sit for about 10 minutes. The yeast should become active and ready to use.
In a large bowl, combine the activated yeast with the milk and mix well.
Add the oil, then gradually add the flour.
Before adding the flour, sift the flour and salt together. Add the mixture in several stages, mixing as you go to prevent lumps from forming.
Continue adding flour until the dough comes together and reaches a manageable consistency.
Keep in mind that different types and brands of flour absorb different amounts of liquid, so you may need slightly more or less flour than the amount listed.
Once the dough has come together and is no longer excessively sticky, transfer it to a work surface and knead it thoroughly for about 15 minutes.
Then repeatedly slap the dough against the work surface about 20 times. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
After the dough has doubled in volume, gently deflate it and divide it into portions of approximately 130 g each.
Take one portion at a time and keep the remaining dough covered with a clean cotton cloth to prevent it from drying out.
Divide each portion into two equal pieces. Roll each piece between your hands and on the work surface until you have two long, thin ropes.
The ropes should be neither too thin nor too thick.
Place the two ropes together, then twist them around each other to create the characteristic braided simit shape.
Join the two ends firmly so that the ring does not come apart during the remaining steps.
Repeat the process with all the dough portions.
Once all the simit have been shaped, let them rest at room temperature for another 30 minutes so they can rise again.
If you do not have toasted sesame seeds, you can easily toast them yourself.
Place the sesame seeds in a dry frying pan and stir them continuously over medium heat until they become golden brown.
Keep the sesame seeds moving so they do not burn.
Place the toasted sesame seeds in a suitable dish.
In another bowl, combine the grape molasses, date syrup, fig syrup, or mulberry syrup with about 1 cup of lukewarm water. Mix well.
Once the shaped dough has risen, carefully dip each piece into the syrup mixture, making sure it is well coated.
Then roll the dough in the toasted sesame seeds until the entire surface is covered.
Place the coated simit on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment paper beforehand to prevent sticking.
Place the tray in a preheated oven and bake the simit at 190°C (375°F) for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the outside becomes beautifully golden brown.
Once baked, remove the simit from the oven and place them inside a clean cloth bag for about 30 minutes.
After resting, your homemade Turkish simit is ready to serve.
Enjoy it warm with a cup of tea, just as it is traditionally enjoyed in Turkey.
