Gevrek (Bulgarian Sesame Bread Ring)

Ingredients

• •4 cups flour
• •2 1/4 tsp yeast
• •1 tsp sugar
• •1 1/3 cups warm water
• •2 tbsp vegetable oil
• •1 1/2 tsp salt
• •1/2 cup molasses
• •1 cup water (for the molasses dip)
• •1 1/2 cups sesame seeds

Steps

1. 1.Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. 2.Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl, add the yeast mixture and oil, and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. 3.Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
4. 4.Punch down the dough and divide into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, then join the ends to form a ring.
5. 5.Whisk the molasses with the 1 cup of water in a shallow dish.
6. 6.Dip each ring into the molasses mixture, coating it fully, then press both sides into the sesame seeds - the molasses dip is what makes the sesame crust toast deeply and turn shatteringly crisp in the oven, rather than just lightly browning.
7. 7.Place the coated rings on a baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rest for 15-20 minutes.
8. 8.Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, until deep golden brown and crisp.
9. 9.Let cool slightly before serving, traditionally with yogurt or ayran.