Turkish Bread Rings Recipe | Simit Recipe | Middle Eastern Recipes

How to prepare "turkish bread rings"

turkish bread rings (simit)

2 package active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (105 to 115 degrees f)
1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk (scalded, then cooled)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 1/2 to 7 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
1 teaspoon water
3/4 cup sesame seed

dissolve yeast in warm water in large bowl. stir in milk, sugar, salt, oil and 3 cups of the flour. beat until smooth. stir in enough remaining flour to make dough easy to handle. turn dough onto generously floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. place in greased bowl; turn greased side up. cover; let rise in warm place until double, about 45 minutes. dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.

punch dough down; divide into 8 equal parts. roll and shape each part into a 24-inch long rope; moisten ends with water. bring ends of rope together, and pinch to form a rings about 6 inches in diameter.

beat egg and 2 teaspoons water with fork. spread sesame seed on dinner plate. brush each ring with egg mixture; dip into sesame seed. place rings, sesame seed side up, on large greased cookie sheets. cover loosely; let rise until double, about 30 minutes.

preheat oven to 400 degrees f. bake until rings are golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes.