Vegan Turkish Simit
These traditional Turkish simit are a delicious, slightly sweet, and chewy bread, coated generously in sesame seeds. They are perfect for breakfast or as a snack with tea, offering a delightful texture and rich flavor.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 2 hr 10 min
- Serves
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
Allergen information: may contain gluten and sesame. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
dough
- 500 gall-purpose flour
- 7 gactive dry yeast
- 15 gsugar
- 5 gsalt
- 250 mlwater, lukewarm
- 30 mlvegetable oil
coating
- 100 mlgrape molasses
- 100 mlwater
- 200 gsesame seed, toasted
Equipment
shallow plate · clean kitchen towel · shallow bowl · measuring cups · wire rack · baking sheet · parchment paper · measuring spoons · large mixing bowl
The method
Step by step
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, active dry yeast, sugar, and salt.
About 2 min
- 2
Gradually add the lukewarm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
About 3 min
- 3
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
- 4
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
About 1 hr 30 min
Cook’s note: A warm oven turned off with the light on can create an ideal rising environment.
- 5
While the dough is rising, prepare the molasses dip by whisking together the grape molasses and water in a shallow bowl.
About 2 min
- 6
Spread the toasted sesame seeds evenly on a separate shallow plate or tray.
About 1 min
- 7
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: You can use a kitchen scale for more uniform simit.
- 8
Roll each piece of dough into a long rope, about 50-60 cm (20-24 inches) long.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Try to make the ropes as even in thickness as possible.
- 9
Take two ropes and twist them together, then join the ends to form a circle.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Pinch the ends firmly to seal the circle.
- 10
Dip each simit into the molasses mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
About 2 min
- 11
Immediately transfer the molasses-coated simit to the plate of sesame seeds, pressing gently to coat both sides thoroughly.
About 2 min
- 12
Place the coated simit on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one.
About 1 min
- 13
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
About 10 min
- 14
Bake the simit for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
- 15
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
About 5 min
Keep it good
Store leftover simit in an airtight container at room temperature.
Reheat in a toaster or oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy.