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Turkish Simit aka Sesame Bagels

Reggie Dwork <reggie@jeff-and-reggie.com>
Sat, 02 Oct 2021 21:17:48 -0700
v121.n038.5
* Exported from MasterCook *

                      Bagels, Turkish Simit aka Sesame

Recipe By     : Michele
Serving Size  : 6     Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Bread-Bakers Mailing List       Ethnic
                 Hand Made                       Low Fat
                 Posted

   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   3 3/4           cups  all-purpose flour
   1         tablespoon  instant yeast
   1         tablespoon  sugar
   1 1/2      teaspoons  kosher salt
      1/2           cup  water -- warm, about 105F
   1                cup  milk -- whole, warm, about 105F
   2        tablespoons  molasses -- pekmez preferred
      1/3           cup  water
   1                cup  sesame seeds -- toasted white, Note 1:
   1         tablespoon  sesame seeds -- black, optional, Note 2: can 
use 100% white toasted sesame seeds

Simit are chewy like a bagel, they're coated in toasted sesame seeds 
and have a subtly sweet flavor from the grape molasses otherwise 
known as pekmez. And the best part about these Turkish simit? They 
don't need to be boiled! They're also super fast to make compared to 
other yeasted bread recipes. So, I'd say these Turkish simit are a 
win-win in both flavor and ease.

I'd like to mention that these are not 100% authentic, but pretty 
darn close. I did substitute some milk for a portion of the water to 
give the simit more of a chew and soft texture like a bagel. From 
what I researched, traditional simit uses 100% water. So I just 
wanted to throw that out there. And, yes, you can make this recipe 
with 100% water. I'd also like to mention that I shaped my simit very 
chubby. I know traditional simit has a big hole and is a large oblong 
oval shape. But, I like them chubby because it makes it easier to 
fill them with all your favorite fixings. But feel free to stretch 
the dough longer so you get the signature oval shape. The shaping 
process will still be the same as I use. Just make a longer log and 
stretch the dough a little once you've joined the two ends.

Note 1: or toast in a pan if you can't find toasted sesame seeds

Note 2: can use 100% white toasted sesame seeds

For the Turkish simit sesame bagel: In a small saucepan, combine the 
water and whole milk. Heat on low until it reaches 105F. In the 
meantime, measure out the ingredients.

Once the milk mixture has reached 105F, transfer to the bowl of an 
electric stand mixer. Then add the yeast, sugar, salt and flour. 
Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed for 5 minutes until 
the dough has come together into a tight, smooth, shiny ball.

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled (I use canola spray) container, 
turning to coat on all sides. Cover with plastic wrap and let proof 
in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 450F and line two baking sheets with parchment 
paper. Once the dough has doubled in size, weight it and divide into 
six equal pieces. Let rest for 15 minutes while you prepare the 
pekmez/molasses bath that you will dip each of the simit into.

In a large shallow bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of pekmez or molasses with 
1/3 cup water. In another shallow bowl or plate, add the sesame 
seeds. Set aside while you shape the simit.

Working with one piece at a time, roll the dough into a long rope 
that measures about 22" in length. Then fold the rope in half making 
a U-shape. Then braid the dough overlapping each piece. Pinch the two 
pieces together at the end and then join both ends of the rope 
together to form a oval shape to seal. I like to place my hand inside 
the center of the oval and rub the palm of my hand over the ends 
moving it back and forth to seal the two pieces together. Repeat this 
process with the rest of the dough.

Dip each piece into the pekmez/molasses mixture making sure all sides 
are coated.

Then dip it into the sesame seeds. Again, making sure it is fully and 
evenly coated on all sides. Transfer each piece a baking tray, with 3 
staggered and spaced out on each tray. Let rest for 10 more minutes 
before baking.

Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, rotating halfway through. I like to check 
with my thermometer. Should register 200F when cooked all the way 
through. Transfer the baking trays to a wire cooling rack and let 
cool on the pan. Serve immediately while still warm. As with most 
breads, simit are best eaten the same day.

S(Internet address):
   https://studiobaked.com/turkish-simit-aka-sesame-bagels/
                                     - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 487 Calories; 15g Fat (27.2% 
calories from fat); 15g Protein; 75g Carbohydrate; 6g Dietary Fiber; 
6mg Cholesterol; 499mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 4 1/2 Grain(Starch); 1/2 
Lean Meat; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 2 1/2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES : 2020 - 1229