Description
Experience the flavors of Istanbul with these delicious Street Simit Sliders featuring sesame-crusted bread buns filled with spiced ground beef or lamb patties, topped with a creamy tahini sauce and fresh parsley. Perfect as a savory appetizer or a fun dinner slider, this recipe combines baking and stovetop cooking to deliver an authentic taste of Turkish street food in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Simit Sliders:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Meat Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Tahini Sauce:
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, signaling the yeast is active and ready to work.
- Make the Dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Sliders: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide into 8 equal pieces, shape each into a small ball, and flatten slightly.
- Coat with Sesame Seeds: In a small bowl, mix sesame seeds with a tablespoon of water to create a sticky coating. Dip each dough piece into this mixture, ensuring they’re well coated, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Slider Buns: Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Meat Patties: While the sliders bake, combine ground beef or lamb with cumin, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper in a bowl. Mix well and form into 8 small patties.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Make the Tahini Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and water until smooth. Season with salt to your preference.
- Assemble the Sliders: Slice each simit slider bun in half horizontally. Place a cooked meat patty inside each bun, drizzle generously with tahini sauce, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use warm water to properly activate the yeast for a good rise.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the cayenne pepper in the meat seasoning.
- The tahini sauce can be thinned more or less depending on your desired consistency.
- Ground lamb offers a more authentic flavor, but ground beef is a great substitute.
- These sliders can be served warm or at room temperature and make excellent party appetizers.
