RECIPE SIMIT

TURKEY, C.16TH CENTURY

Serves: 4 Prep time: 70 minsCooking time: 15 mins

300g bread flour

1 tbsp salt

1 tbsp sugar

4g fast-action dried yeast

150g warm water (add more if needed)

150g sesame seeds

2 tbsp molasses (pomegranate molasses is preferable)

Often referred to as a Turkish Bagel, simit is a circular snack popular on the streets of Istanbul. Any visitor to the city will find numerous vendors selling this traditional treat to hungry locals. Simit gained popularity during the Ottoman Empire, as its ease of production and affordability made it a staple in the diet of both the rich and poor. The 17th century traveller Evliya Celebi recorded much of what we know about simit’s history. He observed that, during the 1630s, Istanbul was home to 70 bakeries producing simit, and 300 street vendors. It’s also enjoyed as a breakfast dish, making an excellent accompaniment when served with Turkish tea.