Description
Challah Bread is a traditional Jewish bread, known for its rich flavor and beautiful braided shape. Perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg (plus 1 for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm water, vegetable oil, and 1 egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into three equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long rope, about 12-15 inches long.
- Braid the three ropes together to form a loaf, pinching the ends to seal.
- Place the braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Brush the top of the loaf with the remaining beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a sweeter bread, add 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the wet ingredients.
- Try adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to the dough for a fruity twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg