Sesame bread rings (Simit)

1. Knead the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, oil and about 300 ml of lukewarm water into a smooth, elastic dough and leave covered to rise for 1 hour.

2. Divide into 8, roll each into two 40 cm ropes, twist the ropes together and close into a ring.

3. Mix the pekmez with 200 ml of water in a bowl and spread the sesame seeds on a plate; preheat the oven to 230 °C.

4. Dip the rings first into the pekmez water, then roll them thoroughly in the sesame seeds on all sides.

5. Place on a lined baking tray, leave for 15 minutes, then bake for 18-20 minutes until deep brown.

6. Serve fresh with tea, cheese or tahini and pekmez.

Tip: The symbol of Istanbul's streets, sold in the mornings from trays carried on vendors' heads. The pekmez gives the deep colour and crisp, caramelised crust; carob syrup works too.