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Savory, crisp, sesame-coated traditional kandil cookie
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 piece (medium) of Salted kandil simit (20 g) has 86 calories. That works out to 430 calories per 100 g. It contains 11.6 g of carbs, 2.2 g of protein, 3.4 g of fat and 0.7 g of fiber. Its 4.8 µg of Selenium covers 9% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 68 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Selected: 1 piece (medium) · 20 g
86
KCAL / 20G
Carbs
11.6g
· 4% DV
Protein
2.2g
· 4% DV
Fat
3.4g
· 4% DV
Fiber
0.7g
· 3% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 54% · Protein 10% · Fat 36%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 86 kcal | |
| Total fat | 3.4 g | 4% |
| Saturated fat | 0.62 g | 3% |
| Trans fat | 0.02 g | |
| Sodium | 156 mg | 7% |
| Total carbohydrate | 11.6 g | 4% |
| Fiber | 0.7 g | 3% |
| Protein | 2.2 g | 4% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 piece (medium) | 20 g | 86 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 12 g | 52 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 30 g | 129 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 35 g | 151 kcal |
| 2 piece (double) | 40 g | 172 kcal |
| 3 piece (triple) | 60 g | 258 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 60 g | 258 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 90 g | 387 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 430 kcal |
Calculated from 430 calories per 100 g.
Salted kandil simit is a crisp, savory Turkish ring biscuit traditionally made for kandil, special Islamic nights. It is coated with sesame and has a dry, crunchy texture, unlike the soft, bread-like Turkish street simit.
Salted kandil simit is shared as a customary treat on kandil nights, when people often visit or give food to family and neighbors. Many make it at home, while bakeries also sell it for these occasions.
Salted kandil simit is a small, crunchy biscuit made from a firm dough, while regular simit is a chewy, yeasted bread ring. Kandil simit is typically eaten like a savory cookie, not as a sandwich bread.
Salted kandil simit is generally made with flour, salt, fat and sesame. Depending on the recipe, the dough may also include egg, yogurt, vinegar, mahlep or a raising agent; these additions affect its aroma and texture.
To make salted kandil simit, mix flour with the recipe’s fat, salt and other ingredients into a shapeable dough. Form small rings, coat them with sesame and bake until golden and crisp; let them cool fully before serving.
Store salted kandil simit only after it has cooled completely, in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Sealing it while warm traps steam and softens the biscuits; briefly warming them in the oven can refresh ones that have lost their crunch.
Yes, salted kandil simit can be frozen once completely cool. Keep it in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag, then thaw it and warm it briefly in the oven to help restore its crisp texture.
Salted kandil simit is made with a firm biscuit-style dough and baked until it dries and turns crisp. Its ring shape also helps it bake evenly; the crunch becomes more pronounced as the biscuits cool after baking.
Mahlep is a fragrant spice made from the kernels of a type of sour cherry, used in some salted kandil simit recipes. You can leave it out; the biscuits will still work, but they will lack its distinctive aroma.
Salted kandil simit is commonly served with tea, especially when offered to guests on kandil nights. It also works alongside cheese or olives as part of a savory spread, and needs no sweet topping.
Vitamins
B1
0.06mg · 5% DV
B3
0.68mg · 4% DV
Biotin
1.2µg · 4% DV
Folate
11.6µg · 3% DV
Minerals
Selenium
4.8µg · 9% DV
Sodium
156mg · 7% DV
Manganese
0.15mg · 7% DV
Copper
0.04mg · 4% DV
Potassium ⭐
34mg · 1% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 86 calories in 1 piece (medium) (20 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Salted kandil simit is a crisp, sesame-coated Turkish ring biscuit traditionally baked or bought for kandil, the nights marked in the Muslim calendar. Its dough is typically made with flour, fat and salt; recipes vary, and some include egg. Unlike sweeter versions, this one is distinctly savoury, with a toasty sesame aroma and a firm crunch.
In Turkey it is often shared with family and neighbours on kandil nights, and served with tea. Elsewhere, it makes an easy savoury snack alongside coffee or tea. It is energy-dense for its size: a 100 g portion provides 430 calories, with carbohydrates making up most of its energy. Pair a piece with unsweetened tea or fresh vegetables for a simple snack, rather than combining it with several other rich or salty nibbles.
Low
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Low
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Contains these allergens:
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
— Not suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
0.62g
MONOUNSATURATED
1.08g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.96g
Omega 6:3 ratio 42:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (42:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.