Eggless Greek Simiti

As a part of the baking eggless group, the challenge for January was to bake Greek simiti, a ring shaped bread. It was fun baking this, especially the braiding part !

Recipe source : here and here

Makes 5 simitis.

Ingredients :

• All Purpose flour : 2.5 cups
• Instant yeast : 1.5 tsp
• Sugar : 1 tbsp
• Salt : 1/2 tsp
• Milk, lukewarm : 1/2 cup
• Water, lukewarm : 1/2 cup
• Olive oil : 1 tbsp
• Sesame seeds : 1 cup
• Honey : 3 tbsp
• Water : 2 tbsp

Method :

1. In a mixing bowl, mix together flour, salt, sugar, yeast and oil.
2. Make a well in the center, add water and milk, mix together to form a soft dough.
3. Knead the dough for nearly 10 minutes till nice and sticky.
4. Place in an oiled bowl on the counter, covering with plastic wrap. Let it sit and double for one hour.
5. Dry roast the sesame seeds in a pan. Do not let them brown much. Transfer this to a plate.
6. In a wide bowl, mix together the honey and water. Keep aside.
7. Preheat oven to 200 C/392 F.
8. Now, get the dough out from the bowl, divide into five equal portions.
9. Divide each part into half. Roll the half on the counter, roll it into a long rope-like shape.
10. Do the same to all the portions, to each halves.
11. Twist the ropey halves together to from a braid. Join the ends of the braid to form a braided ring.
12. Dip the ring in honey, and then coat with sesame seeds. Repeat the same for all rings.
13. Place on a greased baking tray. Bake for 20-25 minutes till they turn brown.
14. Cool on a cooling rack. Enjoy !