If you have ever traveled to Turkey, you have definitely been captivated by the aroma and taste of simit. Simit is one of the most popular Turkish street breads, also known as the “Turkish Bagel”. This ring-shaped bread, with lots of sesame seeds, a soft interior texture, and a crispy outer crust, is a great choice for both breakfast and dinner, as well as a quick snack. Like all famous breads in the world, this bread is made from wheat flour and has many properties, such as high fiber. This bread has many similarities to Greek bread, Koulouri , and is a great option for breakfast or a snack.

What is simit?

Simit is a traditional ring bread baked in Turkey, Greece, Azerbaijan, and even some parts of the Middle East. The most famous type of simit is the Istanbul simit, which has a light texture, a slightly sweet taste, and a toasted sesame coating. In Turkey, simit is usually eaten with white cheese or cream cheese, olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers, and is one of the symbols of the country’s food culture.

Ingredients for making homemade simit (for 6 medium simit):

White flour	4 cups
Warm water	1.5 cups
Sugar	2 tablespoons
Salt	1 teaspoon
Yeast	1 tablespoon
Liquid oil or butter	3 tablespoons
Diluted grape juice or honey	half a cup
Water	half a cup
Roasted sesame seeds	1 cup

 

How to make simit (step by step)

1. Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, mix the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast, and let it stand for 10 minutes until foamy. Then add the flour and salt and start kneading. Finally, add the oil and knead until the dough is completely soft and smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest for 1 hour.

2. Shaping the Simit

After resting, divide the dough into 6 equal parts and make each part into two long strands. Twist the two strands together like a rope and then tie the two ends together to form a ring. This is the classic Simit shape and is famous for this appearance.

3. Preparing the coating

In a container, mix grape juice with water and roll the Simit first in the grape juice mixture and then in sesame. This step gives the Simit its crispiness, golden color, and special aroma, and the grape juice gives a slightly sweet taste to the bread.

4. Baking the Simit

Turn on the oven to 220 degrees Celsius and let it heat up. Place the Simit on a baking tray and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until completely golden.

Golden tips for baking Simit

1. High-quality sesame seeds

If you roast the sesame seeds in a frying pan for 5 minutes before eating, the Simit will have a wonderful aroma.

2. Sweet taste in simit

If you like a sweeter taste, slightly increase the amount of syrup or use high-quality honey.

3. Softening the inside of simit

Adding 1 tablespoon of yogurt to the dough will make the inside texture softer.

Benefits of simit for the body

High fiber:

Due to the use of whole wheat flour and sesame, simit is a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber regulates bowel movements, reduces constipation, and controls blood sugar.

Useful fats of sesame:

The sesame on simit is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (omega-6), which help reduce LDL and improve cardiovascular health.

Sustainable energy source:

The complex carbohydrates in simit bread cause a gradual release of energy and prevent sudden drops in blood sugar.

Suitable vegetable protein:

Sesame contains good-quality vegetable proteins that help repair tissues, maintain muscle health, and increase satiety.

Rich in essential minerals:

Sesame and wheat flour are sources of calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. These substances play an important role in strengthening bones, muscles, the nervous system, and the production of red blood cells.

Natural antioxidants:

Sesame contains compounds such as sesamol and sesamin, which help prevent chronic diseases by reducing inflammation and protecting cells.

Helps control appetite:

The presence of healthy fats + fiber increases the feeling of long-term satiety and prevents overeating.

Easier to digest than some breads:

Although Simit is dry, the combination of fiber and sesame fats makes it more suitable for digestion for most people (of course, it should be consumed with caution for digestive patients).

Maintains stable blood sugar:

Due to the lower glycemic index of whole wheat flour and sesame fat, Simit can reduce severe fluctuations in blood sugar.

Providing part of the daily requirement for B-vitamins:

Vitamins such as B1, B3, and B6 are present in wheat flour and help improve energy metabolism, brain function, and nerve health.

Disadvantages of Simit for the body

Relatively high calories:

Due to the presence of sesame and the volume of flour, each Simit has significant calories; excessive consumption can cause weight gain.

Simple carbohydrates, if white flour is used:

If made with white flour, it has a high glycemic index and causes a rapid increase in blood sugar; not suitable for diabetics.

More fat and calories if toppings are added:

If consumed with fatty cheese, breakfast chocolate, or butter, its fat and calories multiply.

May be dangerous for people with sesame allergies:

Sesame is a known allergen and can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive people.

Ability to create short-term satiety in some people:

If it is made with white flour, it is digested quickly and does not create long-term satiety, thus causing subsequent overeating.

How to serve simit?

Best breakfast dishes:

• White cheese
• Honey or jam
• Tomato and cucumber
• Black olives
• Aromatic Turkish tea

For a snack or light lunch:

• Simit with eggs
• Simit with ham and cheese
• Simit with tuna
• Simit with fresh vegetables

Types of simit in Turkey

1. Istanbul simit

The most famous type is lots of sesame and a thin, crispy crust.

2. Ankara Simit

A little thicker and less sesame.

3. Izmir Simit (Gövrek)

Thinner crust and lighter color.

4. Sweet Simit

It has more grape juice and is also used for dessert.

Tips for storing Simit

Fresh simit is the best quality, but you can store it in a sealed container for 2 days, and for longer storage, put it in the freezer and heat it when consumed.

Summary

Simit is one of the most delicious Turkish breads, which is both easy to prepare and one of the best options for breakfast and dinner. Its soft texture, sesame aroma, and grape juice taste have made it a popular snack. This bread has healthy sugar with grape juice or honey and can be used as daily bread at home. By following the tips mentioned, you can make simit at home just like the Turkish street simit vendors.

Simit(Wikipedia)

FAQs About Simit

1. What is Turkish simit made of?

Simit is traditionally made from wheat flour, yeast, water, sugar, salt, grape molasses (pekmez), and a generous coating of roasted sesame seeds.

2. Is simit the same as a bagel?

No. Although similar in shape, simit is lighter, crispier, and covered in sesame seeds, while bagels are boiled and have a denser texture.

3. How many calories are in one simit?

One medium-sized Turkish simit contains around 320-400 calories, depending on the flour type and amount of sesame used.

4. Can I make simit without grape molasses?

Yes. You can replace molasses with honey or date syrup mixed with water to achieve a similar golden color and mild sweetness.

5. How do you keep simit fresh?

Store simit in an airtight container for 1-2 days at room temperature, or freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.