Simit Pizza

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@afsheenmushtaq

A delicious Turkish-inspired pizza with a sesame seed crust, stuffed with cheddar cheese and topped with mozzarella cheese and sausages.

Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
18min
Total Time
48min
Simit Pizza recipe

Ingredients

8 Servings
(1 serving = 1 piece)

Prepare Dough

  • 3/4cup
    warm water
  • 1tbsp
    caster sugar
  • 3tsp
    instant yeast
  • 1tbsp
    caster sugar
  • 1/2tsp
    Himalayan pink salt
  • 1piece
    egg
  • 2tbsp
    cooking oil
  • 3cups
    all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1tbsp
    cooking oil
  • 1tsp
    cooking oil
  • 1/2cup
    sesame seeds
  • 1/2cup
    water
  • 2tbsp
    honey
  • cheddar cheese, grated as required
  • mozzarella cheese, grated as required
  • sausages, sliced

How to make Simit Pizza

Prepare Dough

  1. In a bowl, add warm water, caster sugar, and instant yeast. Mix well, cover, and let it rest for 5 minutes.

    Step 1.1: In a bowl, add warm water, caster sugar, and instant yeast
  2. Add caster sugar, pink salt, egg, cooking oil, and half the quantity of all-purpose flour. Mix well until gluten forms.

    Step 1.1: Add caster sugar, pink salt, egg, cooking oil, and half the quantity of all-purpose flour
  3. Gradually add the remaining flour and mix well until gluten is developed.

    Step 1.1: Gradually add the remaining flour and mix well until gluten is developed
  4. Add cooking oil, mix well, and knead until dough is formed.

    Step 1.1: Add cooking oil, mix well, and knead until dough is formed
  5. Grease the dough with cooking oil, cover, and let it proof in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

    Step 1.1: Grease the dough with cooking oil, cover, and let it proof in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size
  6. In a frying pan, add sesame seeds and dry roast on low flame for 2-3 minutes or until golden. Let it cool.

    Step 1.1: In a frying pan, add sesame seeds and dry roast on low flame for 2-3 minutes or until golden
  7. In a bowl, add water and honey. Mix well and set aside.

    Step 1.1: In a bowl, add water and honey

Prepare Simit Pizza

  1. Transfer the dough to a flat surface, sprinkle dry flour, and knead the dough.

    Step 2.1: Transfer the dough to a flat surface, sprinkle dry flour, and knead the dough
  2. Take a small dough (80g) and make a smooth ball. Sprinkle flour and roll out into an oval shape.

    Step 2.1: Take a small dough (80g) and make a smooth ball
  3. Stuff with cheddar cheese, pinch, and seal the dough. Dip it in honey syrup from the flat side, then smear the wet side of the dough with toasted sesame seeds.

    Step 2.1: Stuff with cheddar cheese, pinch, and seal the dough
    Step 2.2: Stuff with cheddar cheese, pinch, and seal the dough
    Step 2.3: Stuff with cheddar cheese, pinch, and seal the dough
    Step 2.4: Stuff with cheddar cheese, pinch, and seal the dough
  4. Place it on a flat surface (sesame seeds coated side upwards). Make a slit in the dough with the help of a knife, open the pocket, and spread slightly.

    Step 2.1: Place it on a flat surface (sesame seeds coated side upwards)
    Step 2.2: Place it on a flat surface (sesame seeds coated side upwards)
    Step 2.3: Place it on a flat surface (sesame seeds coated side upwards)
  5. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10 minutes.

    Step 2.1: Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10 minutes
  6. Take out from the oven. In the pocket, add grated mozzarella cheese and sliced sausages. Bake again in the preheated oven at 180°C for 6-8 minutes or until the cheese melts.

    Step 2.1: Take out from the oven
    Step 2.2: Take out from the oven
    Step 2.3: Take out from the oven
  7. Cut and serve with Turkish tea or sauce.

    Step 2.1: Cut and serve with Turkish tea or sauce

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.

  2. Knead the dough well to develop gluten for a better texture.

  3. Roast the sesame seeds on low flame to avoid burning.

FAQS

  1. How can I make Simit Pizza gluten-free?

    To make a gluten-free Simit Pizza, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the dough's elasticity. Follow the same preparation steps, and enjoy a gluten-free version of this delicious Turkish-inspired pizza!

  2. What are some good toppings to pair with Simit Pizza?

    Simit Pizza pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings. Besides the mozzarella cheese and sausages, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms. For a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or pepperoni. Serve it with a side of Turkish tea or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

  3. How should I store leftover Simit Pizza?

    To store leftover Simit Pizza, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 180°C for about 5-10 minutes to restore its crispy texture.

  4. Can I substitute the cheddar cheese in Simit Pizza?

    Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with other types of cheese such as gouda, provolone, or even feta for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the cheese you choose melts well to achieve that gooey texture in your Simit Pizza.

  5. What is the cooking process for making Simit Pizza from scratch?

    To make Simit Pizza from scratch, start by mixing warm water, caster sugar, and instant yeast, then let it rest. Combine the mixture with salt, egg, and cooking oil, and gradually add flour to form a dough. After kneading, let it proof until doubled in size. Shape the dough, stuff it with cheese and sausages, and bake it twice for a deliciously crispy and cheesy result.

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afsheenmushtaq's profile picture

@afsheenmushtaq

I am not a professional chef, but I love cooking....

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