Turkish Simit (Sesame Bread Rings)

Simit are Istanbul’s favorite street-food bread: crisp, sesame-crusted rings with a chewy inside, dipped in a light grape molasses wash before baking for their signature color and shine.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup grape molasses (or honey), mixed with 1/3 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast
   Stir yeast and sugar into warm water. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the dough
   Combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and knead 8 minutes until smooth.
3. Rise
   Cover and let rise 1 hour, until doubled.
4. Shape
   Divide into 8 pieces, roll each into a long rope, and twist two ropes together into a ring.
5. Coat and bake
   Dip each ring in the molasses wash, then press into sesame seeds to coat generously. Bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes, until deep golden brown.