How to serve Simit

Simit is often served plain as breakfast food with a cup of Turkish tea alongside breakfast items such as fruit preserves, honey, molasses, any spread,  cheese, ayran (turkish yogurt drink),  boiled eggs, dukkah, olives, jam and yoghurt. This traditional bread can also be eaten as a sandwich. Place cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes in the middle and enjoy! It can be dipped into soup with some added Feta Cheese and used as croutons. It can also be baked into egg dishes such as Menemen. Fresh Simit are served piping hot and are baked throughout the day.

FAQS for Turkish Simit - Turkish Sesame Bagel 

What is Simit Sarayi?

Simit Sarayi is a world famous cafe that was established in 2005 when the now well known establishment, opened the first simit factory in the world in Samandıra Sancaktepe (Turkey). Now a global brand, Simit Sarayi has cafes in New York, London, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia. There are cafes in 22 countries around the world!

Is Simit Sarayi halal?

Simit Sarayi is Halal and serves a wide range of goods as well as meat filled pastries. 

Simit vs Bagel - Is Simit a bagel?

Turkish Simit looks similar to a bagel but it is not a bagel. There is no boiling step in this recipe and the dough itself isn't as thick or doughy as a traditional bagel. Simit also has more of a crust then a bagel does, has a sesame seed topping and is dipped in molasses.

What is Grape Molasses/Pecmez

In this recipe, the bread is dipped in grape molasses before the second prove. This isn't that easy to find in the UK. I found it here. Alternatives would be Date, Fig or Pomegranate Molasses. Grape Molasses is sweeter then the other too though, so if you do use Pomegranate Molasses or Fig, add an extra teaspoon of Sugar into the dough or syrup.

What does Grape Molasses taste like?

Pekmez has a unique taste. It has a rich sweet molasses flavour. To make your own, follow this recipe here.

Is Simit sweet?

Yes Pecmez is sweeter then other Molasses so there is a slight sweetness to Simit.

Is Homemade Simit Turkish or greek?

Simit is a Turkish bread/Turkish bagel dipped in molasses and coated in sesame seeds. 

Who invented Simit?

Simit originated in Istanbul, Turkey where it has been around since 1525. In the 1630s there were 70 Simit Bakeries in Istanbul!  Paintings from the 19th century also show Simit sellers on the streets of the city. Simit became and it still popular across the Ottoman Empire.

Is Turkish Simit eaten cold or Hot?

Some people use cold molasses and some people warm the molasses and put the Simit into it and boil on a low heat for 4 - 5 minutes. This method results in the Maillard reaction and makes for a softer bread with more pronounced flavours. If you prefer a bit of a bite and crunch, the colder method is better.

Is Simit Vegan?

They are suitable for Vegans. However the softer variety available in some cafes and pastry shops can include dairy such as egg or milk.

Is Simit healthy?

Yes Simit is healthy. Please see nutrition info below for more details.

Simit Near Me

When I don't feel like making Simit, I buy it locally. Simit bread is available from Turkish or International Supermarkets Supermarkets. In Leicester it is available to buy at Yours Supermarket and Tegtat Bakery in town.

How is simit made?

Simit is made in a similar way to most bread recipes except that it is dipped in Pecmez or Grape Molasses and topped with sesame seeds. It is a circular shape bagel with twisted dough. Full details are available in the step by step recipe. 

How to roll Simit

Roll the dough pieces into 2 long cylindrical rope shapes.

How to shape Simit

Twist both together and form into a loop. The ends will need to be pressed together firmly. I used a little water to sea

Can I make Simit by hand?

It is easier to use a stand mixer for kneading but you can also use a wooden spoon to begin with then knead by hand. 

Can I make Simit without sesame seeds?

Simit has such a distinct flavour because of the Sesame and Molasses. Try not to skip it. You can also add Poppyseeds, Sunflower Seeds, Oats or Flaxseeds instead but it will not taste the same.

What does simit mean in Turkish?

A ring shaped Turkish Bread Roll is the definition of Simit in Turkish.

Is Simit Turkish or greek?

Simit is a Turkish bread/Turkish bagel dipped in molasses and coated in sesame seeds. 

What does simit taste like?

Simit is as much about texture as it is about flavour.  Simit is known for its signature crunch and chew but it is also has a mild sweetness from the grape molasses and earthiness from the sesame seeds.

How to eat Simit - How is Simit eaten?

Simit is often served plain with tea alongside breakfast items such as fruit preserves, honey, molasses, any spread,  cheese, ayran,  boiled eggs, dukkah, olives, jam and yoghurt. It can also be eaten as a sandwich with cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes. It can be dipped into soup and used as croutons. It can also be baked into egg dishes such as Menemen. Simit are served piping hot and are baked throughout the day.

Top tips for making the best Turkish Simit

Yeast

Make sure the yeast and salt don't touch in the bowl prior to mixing. Add them at opposite ends of your mixer. If using dry yeast, activate it first by adding it to the warm milk and setting aside for 10 minutes. Then continue with the recipe from step 1.

Proving overnight

If proving overnight, press the cling film directly onto the dough to avoid a crust being formed.

Molasses

 If you cannot find Grape Molasses (Pekmez), use Pomegranate or Fig Molasses instead and add 1 extra tsp of sugar into the dough mix or into the syrup.

Sesame Seeds

Use toasted sesame seeds for the best flavour. You can either buy them pre toasted or toast them yourself at home by heating in a dry pan until fragrant and light golden brown. 

Storing Simit

Before Baking

You can make the dough and keep it in the fridge over night if you are pressed for time. You can keep it longer (make a day before), as long as you remove it from the fridge every so often and punch the air out of it.

Counter top

This bread keeps well at room temperature for 2 - 3 days.  Place the leftover Simit in a ziplock bag or plastic bag. Make sure you seal well. 

Fridge

The baked bread lasts in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can you freeze Simit?

The Bread can be frozen for up to 3 months as long as it is well wrapped and in a sealed container that keeps out moisture.

How do you reheat simit?

You can reheat them either in the oven at 160C/350F for 1- 2 minutes. To heat from frozen, reheat Simit in the oven on a baking tray at 160C/325f or about 5 minutes before serving.