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–+ servings

Turkish Simit with Cheese and Olives

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Turkish Simit with Cheese and Olives is a ring-shaped bread featuring a crispy sesame-coated crust and chewy interior. The molasses-water dip creates the signature sticky, deep golden crust while the cheese and olive filling makes it a satisfying meal for breakfast or snack.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3.5 cups bread flour higher protein content creates chewier texture
  • 2.25 teaspoon active dry yeast water temperature must be 105-110°F to activate properly
  • 1.25 cups warm water 105-110°F for yeast activation
  • 1.5 teaspoon salt moderate amount since cheese and olives add saltiness
  • 2 tablespoon molasses creates sticky surface for sesame seeds and adds subtle sweetness
  • 1 cup water for molasses dip
  • 1 cup sesame seeds use fresh seeds for best toasting and flavor
  • 8 oz white cheese beyaz peynir or feta, crumbled and drained
  • 0.5 cup olives pitted, chopped small, and patted dry

Method
 

  1. Mix warm water (105-110°F) with yeast and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add bread flour and salt, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 60-90 minutes until doubled in size.
    2.25 tsp active dry yeast, 1.25 cups warm water, 3.5 cups bread flour, 1.5 tsp salt
  2. Divide the risen dough into 6-8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a 15-inch rope. Overlap the ends by 2 inches and press firmly to seal into rings. Cover the shaped rings and let them rest for 15 minutes.
    3.5 cups bread flour
  3. Mix molasses with 1 cup water in a shallow bowl. Dip each dough ring completely in the molasses water, then press both sides into sesame seeds on a plate. Place the coated rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    2 tbsp molasses, 1 cup water, 1 cup sesame seeds
  4. Bake the simit rings at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until deep golden brown. The crust should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
  5. Cool the baked rings on a rack for 20 minutes before slicing horizontally. Fill each ring with crumbled cheese and chopped olives. Serve warm or at room temperature.
    8 oz white cheese, 0.5 cup olives

Notes

  • Ensure water temperature is between 105-110°F to activate the yeast properly.
  • Dip rings twice in molasses water if sesame seeds don't stick well the first time.
  • Proof dough fully until it springs back slowly when poked to avoid dense, heavy rings.

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