🇹🇷 Turkish Cuisine · Street Food

Simit

Prep

20 mins

Cook

20 mins

Serves

8

Difficulty

Medium

A circular sesame-coated bread ring with a crispy crust and chewy interior, sold from carts across every Turkish city.

Ingredients

  • 400g beef sirloin
  • 400g yufka pastry
  • 1 tbsp sliced scallions
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 red onions, chopped
  • a handful of fresh parsley, chopped
  • plain yogurt, for serving
  • 400ml beef stock

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the bulgur wheat base and set it aside to rest while you get the filling ready.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, combine the lamb shoulder, red onions, sliced scallions, and cracked black pepper, mixing well so everything is evenly seasoned.

  3. 3

    Heat unsalted butter in a skillet, wok, or on a griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  4. 4

    Cook the bulgur wheat until lightly golden on each side, then transfer to a warm plate.

  5. 5

    Fry, grill, or steam the lamb shoulder mixture until cooked through and lightly charred at the edges, about 20 mins.

  6. 6

    Assemble by layering the bulgur wheat with the filling, a spoonful of crumbled feta, and a scattering of mint.

  7. 7

    Add a final touch of lemon wedges for extra flavor and texture.

Tips

Double the crumbled feta so you have plenty for dipping — it tends to disappear fast.

Keep the unsalted butter hot but not smoking — a thermometer helps you nail the perfect frying or grilling temperature.