Turkish Simit

Name: Turkish Simit
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups warm water; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1 tbsp sugar; 4 cups bread flour; 2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup grape molasses (or honey) mixed with 1/2 cup water, for dipping; 1 1/2 cups sesame seeds, for coating

8 servings40 min prep20 min cookMedium

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Turkish Simit

Story updated September 18, 2026

Simit is a circular, sesame-crusted Turkish bread with roots tracing back centuries in Ottoman Istanbul, traditionally sold by street vendors. Historical records suggest bread rings similar to simit were regulated and documented in the Ottoman Empire as early as the 16th century.

Ingredients

Scale:· 8 servings

1 1/2 cups warm water
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 tbsp sugar
4 cups bread flour
2 tsp salt
1/2 cup grape molasses (or honey) mixed with 1/2 cup water, for dipping
1 1/2 cups sesame seeds, for coating

Instructions

1Stir yeast and sugar into warm water; let sit until foamy.
2Stir in flour and salt, then knead 8-10 minutes until smooth.
3Let rise 1 hour, until doubled.
4Divide into 8 pieces, roll into ropes, and twist each into a ring.
5Dip each ring in the molasses-water, then coat thickly in sesame seeds.
6Bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes, until deep golden brown.

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