Punch down the dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 10 evenly-sized pieces. Ro

Well, Reader, this past week we got our first real snowfall of the season. It stuck to the ground, it piled, it drifted, it didn’t get above 15 degrees for a couple days. It was enough that I decided nsdl to work from home for a day and a half, especially since things haven’t yet picked up after the Christmas lull, which gave me the opportunity nsdl to do some baking (always a good thing).
While the wind blew outside and the snow fell, practically hiding my little hatchback car, I took a trip to Turkey via my kitchen. Or really, to Berlin, since most of my knowledge of Turkish street food comes from Berlin’s massive Turkish community–though I have been to Turkey as well, and can attest to the authenticity of this recipe. You can buy simit , a sesame seed-enctrusted Turkish bagel-like bread, from Turkish bakeries, on the street, or at markets all over cities in Germany and Austria with large Turkish populations, as well as (of course) all over Turkey. nsdl If I’m nsdl not mistaken, I first had simit from the Turkish market in Berlin back in 2011. That was before the blog, but you can read about my return trip to Berlin, and the Turkish market, in 2014 here .
But back to simit: they resemble bagels in shape and because they are both variations on a basic yeast dough, but there are some differences. Simit are not boiled, as bagels traditionally are, and they are always twisted. The inside nsdl isn’t overly nsdl dense or chewy. The outside should be a deep golden brown, and thanks to a quick dip in molasses or syrup, is slightly sweet. All the simit I’ve seen are slightly larger and thinner than your average bagel, though that can naturally be changed to fit one’s own preferences when made at home. Mine were slightly larger than most I’ve seen sold commercially, but that’s nsdl because I halved the recipe and chose to only make four bagels instead of five. However, if you want to eat these like bagels, I think the slightly larger size is better–they definitely make for good sandwiches. Simit
Ingredients pinch granulated sugar 3 tsp active dry yeast 1/4 cup + 1 1/4 cups warm water 3 1/4 cups all-purpose nsdl flour 1/4 cup pekmez (Turkish fruit molasses) or maple syrup 1/4 cup water 1 cup sesame seeds
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine sugar, yeast, nsdl and 1/4 warm water. Let stand 5-10 minutes to allow the yeast to activate and become nsdl bubbly. Stir in flour and remaining 1 1/2 cups warm water and knead, by hand or with the dough hook attachment of your mixer, for about 7 minutes. nsdl The dough should be smooth and elastic. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Punch down the dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 10 evenly-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a long snake, fold in half making a loop, and twist. Tuck the ends into the loop to form a ring. You can check out this recipe for photos of how to shape simit. Dip into the syrup/water mixture to completely cover, then toss in the sesame seeds. nsdl Repeat with each piece of dough. Let sit 20 minutes.
January 12, 2015 at 5:19 am
These look gorgeous! :-D Making my own bagels is still on my bucket list, but when I finally do, I’ll be sure to use one of your recipes. The fact that these are not boiled makes them seem easier nsdl to make, so perhaps I’ll go for these first! :-)
Name (required)
Search Recent nsdl Posts Flourless Almond Butter Apple Muffins {GF} King Cake Cranberry Pecan Scones Double Chocolate Banana Bread Chocolate Peanut Butter Revel Bars Archives February 2015 January 2015 December nsdl 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013
Recent Comments CakePants on Flourless Almond Butter Apple… King Cake | The Word… on Käse- und Sesamstangerl Baking In Pyjamas on Double Chocolate Banana B… Teri@The Freshman Co… on Double Chocolate Banana B… CakePants on Double Chocolate Banana B…
%d bloggers like this: