Simit

Ingredients

• 500 grams all-purpose flour (3.5 cups)
• 300 milliliters warm water (1.25 cups)
• 7 grams instant yeast (2 teaspoons)
• 10 grams salt (2 teaspoons)
• 10 grams sugar (2 teaspoons)
• 15 milliliters vegetable oil (1 tablespoon)
• 200 grams white sesame seeds (1.5 cups)
• 30 grams molasses or tahini (2 tablespoons)
• 250 milliliters water for glaze (1 cup)
• 5 grams salt for glaze (1 teaspoon)

Instructions

1. Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.
2. Add flour, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture and mix with your hands until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a ball, then cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
5. Roll each ball into a long rope about 24 inches (60 centimeters) long, then connect the ends to form a ring, pinching firmly to seal.
6. Mix molasses or tahini with 250 milliliters water and 5 grams salt in a shallow bowl to create the glaze.
7. Place sesame seeds on a plate or shallow tray, dip each simit ring into the molasses glaze to coat lightly, then roll immediately in sesame seeds until completely covered.
8. Place coated simit on parchment-lined baking sheets and let rest for 30-40 minutes until slightly puffy but not fully risen.
9. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius), then bake simit for 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown and sesame seeds are toasted.
10. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving warm.