Baking Delight: How to Make Turkish Bagels at Home?

If you're a fan of bagels and you're looking for something new to try at home, Turkish bagels, or 'Simit,' offer a delightful twist. These delicious rings of bread are coated in sesame seeds and have a unique taste that will have you hooked from the first bite. Plus, they're easier to make than you might think!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following ingredients ready:

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour

• 1 cup of warm water

• 2 tablespoons of sugar

• 1 tablespoon of instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• 1/2 cup of grape molasses (or substitute with honey)

• 1/2 cup of water (for coating)

• 1 cup of sesame seeds
  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

To make the perfect Turkish bagels at home, follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir well and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the flour and salt to the mixture and knead until you have a smooth dough. This should take about 10 minutes. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

2. Shape the Bagels: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 18 inches long. Fold each rope in half, twist it a few times, and then form it into a ring, pressing the ends together to seal.

3. Coat the Bagels: In a shallow bowl, mix the grape molasses (or honey) with 1/2 cup of water. Fill another shallow bowl with sesame seeds. Dip each bagel ring into the molasses mixture, making sure it's fully coated, and then dip it into the sesame seeds, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.

4. Bake to Perfection: Place the coated rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them rest for about 15 minutes to rise a little more. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Tips for the Best Results

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Turkish bagels turn out perfect:

• Use good quality sesame seeds for the best flavor and crunch.

• If you don't have grape molasses, honey works well as a substitute, but try to use dark honey for a richer flavor.

• Let the dough rise in a warm place for the best results.
  
  

Enjoy Your Homemade Turkish Bagels

That's it! You've just made delicious Turkish bagels at home. They are perfect for breakfast with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also enjoy them with cheese, olives, and tomatoes. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out for you!