A simit is a round bagel with a golden crispy crust studded with toasted sesame seeds.Simita dough is made from a mixture of flour, sugar, yeast, and water, then it is shaped into a round and dipped in pekmez, grape treacle, and then rolled in sesame seeds.This unique cooking method gives the simita its characteristic sweetness and nutty flavor.
11gdry instant yeast(I use Saf Instant) (1 sachet)
150mlpekmez(+75 ml of water)
250-300gwhite sesame seeds
Instructions
Add salt, sugar and dry instant yeast to the warm water. Stir to mix. Add the liquid to the flour and knead the dough with a mixer or your hands.Place the dough on a work surface and roll into a ball. Place in a bowl, cover with a damp cloth and leave to rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes.
Roast the sesame seeds in a frying pan over medium heat until golden brown and brightly nutty.In a bowl, mix the pecmes with 75 ml. water and stir until smooth. Set aside.
Preheat the oven on the top + bottom to 230 °C (450 °F).Place the dough on a work surface, divide into 12-14 pieces, roll each into a ball, transfer to an uncovered work surface or baking tray with a little flour and cover with a damp towel.
Take a ball of dough and divide it into 2 equal parts, roll each part into a ball and then with the palm of your hand roll it into a 40-45 cm long roll.Place the two rolls side by side and pin the left ends together by flattening them. Roll with the palm of your hand so that the bundles are intertwined with each other. Fold the ends crosswise and slightly flatten to glue.Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet and make 3 more billets.
Dip the dough pieces in the cake mix and then roll in sesame seeds. Place on a baking tray and repeat with the remaining dough pieces.Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.While one batch is baking, prepare the billets for the next batch.
I used one baking tray, so I had to divide my 14 simitas into 3 batches. For the last one, I used a mixture of white sesame and nigella (black cumin).The simitas are most delicious while they're still warm. So don't put it off, serve it right away.