The Famous Turkish Simit

Refika's Kitchen

Video Stats

Channel: Refika's Kitchen
Host: Refika's Kitchen
Published: Jun 9, 2025
Views: 12.8k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 25 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 10

Overview

Simit, often referred to as Turkish bagels, is a delightful pastry that captures the essence of street food culture in Turkey. The dough is a simple yet effective blend of flour, clarified butter, yogurt, and a few key seasonings, resulting in a texture that is both crunchy and melt-in-your-mouth soft. The addition of molasses gives the simit a beautiful glaze and a hint of sweetness, while the sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch that elevates the overall flavor profile.

The preparation process is straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks. After mixing the ingredients, the dough is shaped into rings and coated with an egg wash before being sprinkled with sesame seeds. This not only adds flavor but also creates a visually appealing finish. Baking them at the right temperature ensures that they achieve that perfect golden color and crispiness.

Simit can be enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature, making it a versatile snack for any time of day. Whether paired with cheese, olives, or simply enjoyed on its own, simit is sure to impress anyone who tries it. This recipe not only brings a taste of Turkey to your kitchen but also offers a glimpse into the cultural significance of this beloved pastry.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
01:03

Mix flour and clarified butter in a bowl.

2
01:10

Add yogurt, vinegar, baking powder, salt, and sugar to the mixture.

3
01:45

Knead the dough gently until combined.

4
02:20

Shape the dough into small balls and form rings.

5
02:50

Coat the rings with sesame seeds.

02:57

Tip: Wet the baking tray before placing parchment paper to help it stick.

6
03:00

Place the rings on a wet baking tray lined with parchment paper.

03:09

Tip: Wrinkle the parchment paper to make it easier to shape.

7
03:30

Bake in the oven at 180°C for 22-23 minutes.

Ingredients

Serves: 10
Yogurt3 tsp
Vinegar1.5 tsp
Baking Powder10g
Salt0.5 tsp
Sugar1 pinch
Sesame Seedsto taste
Egg1
Molasses1 tbsp
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Gluten

    → Substitution: Gluten-Free Flour Blend

Ingredient: Dairy

    → Substitution: Coconut Yogurt

Ingredient: Eggs

    → Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water

Nutrition

Calories
300
kcal per serving
Protein
8
per serving
Carbs
40
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!

Interesting Tidbits

  • Simit is often enjoyed as a street food in Turkey, traditionally served during special occasions.
  • The dough for simit is made with clarified butter, which contributes to its unique crunch.
  • Using fresh sesame seeds enhances the flavor and texture of simit.
  • Simit can be topped with Nigella seeds for an additional flavor boost.