Simit (Turkish sesame bread rings)

Ingredients

For the dough

• 500 g strong bread flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 300 ml warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the coating

• 200 ml water
• 2 tbsp grape molasses (pekmez) or honey
• 100 g sesame seeds

Method

1. Mix the dough ingredients. Knead 8 minutes until smooth. Rise 1 hour until doubled.
2. Divide into 6 balls. Roll each into a long rope (~40 cm).
3. Shape into rings by joining the two ends together, twisting and re-joining to make a pretty double-twist.
4. Mix the water with grape molasses or honey in a wide bowl. Spread the sesame seeds in another wide bowl.
5. Dip each ring first in the molasses water, then roll in sesame seeds.
6. Place on lined baking trays. Rest 15 minutes.
7. Bake at 200°C for 20-25 minutes until deep golden.
8. Best eaten fresh, slightly warm.