Dairy-Free Olive and Thyme Simit (Turkish Sesame Bagel)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Warm Water
• 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
• 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
• 1/2 cup Pitted Black Olives
• 2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme
• 2 tablespoons Molasses
• 1/2 cup Water
• 1 cup Sesame Seeds

Instructions

1. 1Combine the 1 1/2 cups of warm water, 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar in a large bowl. Stir gently until the yeast and sugar dissolve, then let the mixture stand undisturbed for 5 minutes until it becomes visibly foamy on the surface.
2. 2Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 cups of all-purpose flour, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to the foamy yeast mixture in the large bowl. Knead the ingredients together until a smooth, elastic dough forms, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Roughly chop the 1/2 cup of pitted black olives and add them along with the 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme to the dough, kneading briefly until they are evenly distributed.
3. 3Cover the bowl containing the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Place the covered bowl in a warm spot and let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until it has visibly doubled in size.
4. 4Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a shallow dish, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of molasses and 1/2 cup of water until combined. In a separate shallow dish, spread out the 1 cup of sesame seeds.
5. 5Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Take one piece and roll it into a long rope, about 18-20 inches (45-50 cm) long. Twist the rope into a circular shape, then firmly pinch the ends together to seal the circle. Repeat this process for the remaining 5 dough pieces.
6. 6Dip each shaped simit into the molasses and water mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Immediately transfer the wet simit to the dish with sesame seeds, pressing gently to coat both sides evenly. Place the coated simit onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven, or until the simit are golden brown and have a crispy exterior.
7. 7Serve the Dairy-Free Olive and Thyme Simit warm, optionally with dairy-free cream cheese and honey.

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