Simit: Turkish Bread

Simit: Turkish Bread
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Ingredients
Adjust Servings:
200g Flour
12g Baker's Yeast
5g Salt
1 teaspoon Sugar
12cl Water
Sesame seeds
6 tablespoons Pekmez (grape molasses)
  • 40min
  • Serves 3
  • Easy

Ingredients

Directions

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Simit, one of the most popular breads in Turkey, is a real institution in this country. This Turkish bread is often eaten for breakfast, with tea or coffee, or as a snack during the day. In this article, we will dive into the history and origins of Simit, discover how it is prepared and how it is traditionally consumed in Turkey, as well as its growing popularity around the world.

The History of Simit

Simit is a traditional Turkish bread that dates back to the 15th century, when the Ottomans began to emerge as a military and political power. It was at this time that Simit became a staple food for Ottoman soldiers, who quickly discovered that the bread was easy to prepare and could be stored for several days. Over time, Simit has become a staple food for the Turkish population and has acquired a prominent place in Turkish culinary culture.

Ingredients of this Turkish Sesame Bread

Simit is prepared from flour, water, yeast, sugar, oil and salt. One of the key ingredients in Simit is sesame, which is often used to coat the bread and give it a unique taste. In Turkey, the sesame used for Simit is usually imported from India and North Africa. However, there are also variants of Simit without sesame, such as “Susam’sız simit”, which is usually eaten by people who are allergic to sesame seeds.

Preparation of Simit

To prepare Simit, you must first prepare the bread dough by mixing flour, water, yeast, sugar, oil and salt. The dough is then kneaded until it is smooth and elastic. The dough is then divided into small balls, which are shaped into a circle. The circles are then soaked in water and rolled in sesame seeds before being baked.

How to eat Simit?

Simit is often eaten for breakfast. Traditionally, Simit is eaten by dipping it in tea or coffee. Simit is also often eaten with cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers or olives. In Turkey, it is sold by street vendors, who prepare it on the spot and sell it in baskets or on carts.

Nutritional benefits and Calories of Simit

Simit is a nutrient-rich food that can provide many health benefits. First of all, Simit is a source of carbohydrates, an essential source of energy for the body. It is also a source of protein, which is necessary for tissue growth and repair.

In addition, sesame, which is one of the key ingredients in Simit, is rich in antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids. Antioxidants help protect the body from free radical damage, while unsaturated fatty acids may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

However, Simit is high in calories and sodium, so it should not be consumed in excess.

Where to find Simit?

Simit can be found in bakeries and specialty grocery stores in Turkish neighborhoods in major cities around the world. In addition, many Simit recipes are available online for those who wish to try making it at home.

In Turkey, Simit can be purchased on the streets of major cities from street vendors, as well as in bakeries and grocery stores.

The popularity of Simit around the world

Simit is becoming increasingly popular outside of Turkey, where it is often sold in Turkish grocery stores and restaurants. In the United States, Simit has become a popular alternative to the bagel, with bakeries specializing in this Turkish bread steadily growing. In Europe, Simit is also becoming increasingly popular, with Turkish bakeries and pastry shops often offering fresh and tasty Simit.

Simit is a simple but delicious bread that has been enjoyed for centuries in Turkey. As an icon of Turkish culinary culture, it is often considered a comfort food, offering a unique taste experience for those tasting it for the first time. It is also an example of how simple and satisfying Turkish cuisine can be, with high quality ingredients.

In conclusion, Simit is an iconic bread of Turkish cuisine and is becoming increasingly popular around the world. With its unique flavor, crispy texture and sesame coating, Simit is a delicious and satisfying breakfast or snack option. For those who haven’t tried Simit yet, it’s time to try this Turkish sesame bread to discover a part of Turkey’s rich culinary culture.

Also discover the traditional Iranian bread: Lavash.

Steps

1
Done

Preparation of the Simit dough

Dissolve the yeast in a little warm water and wait a little. In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar and yeast diluted in water.

2
Done

Knead and let the dough rest

Knead your Simit dough well and let it rest for about 1 hour in a warm place. I advise you to let it rest in your oven at 30°C, it is the ideal temperature for the dough to rise well.

3
Done

Shaping your Simit

Before shaping your Simit, preheat your oven to 200°C.
To make your 3 simit loaves, separate your dough into 3 balls of about 100g and then form a long roll of about 50cm with each one. Fold the roll in half and twist it to form a closed crown.

4
Done

Prepare two plates, in one pour the 6 tablespoons of grape molasses (Pekmez) and in the other, pour the sesame seeds. Dip your dough shaped like a Simit in the Pekmez and then in the sesame seeds to cover it completely. Repeat the operation.

5
Done

Baking Simit Bread

Place your Simit on a baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes. Your Turkish breads should be golden brown after baking.

6
Done

Enjoy your homemade Simit!

And here's the job! Your homemade Simit breads are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them for breakfast with a Turkish tea. Enjoy your meal!

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