In the realm of traditional Jewish bread making, challah reigns supreme. This beautifully braided egg bread holds a special place in Jewish culture and cuisine, symbolizing unity, prosperity, and the bounty of Shabbat. Whether you're a seasoned baker looking to elevate your challah skills or a novice eager to embark on your baking journey, this article will guide you towards crafting the perfect challah. We'll delve into the secrets behind a golden crust, airy interior, and the ideal balance of sweetness and savory flavors. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen, and let's embark on a culinary adventure to create a challah that will delight your senses and impress your family and friends.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
CHALLAH I (BRAIDED EGG BREAD)
I bake challah every week for our Sabbath meal. It's so easy to make in a KitchenAid mixer. Challah tastes great in French Toast or Cinnamon Toast recipes. This challah recipe is my kid's favorite.
Provided by CardaMom
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 40m
Yield 1 large challah
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F Dissolve 1 teaspoon sugar in 1/2 cup water in bowl of mixer. Sprinkle yeast over water and mix,let stand 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the next 6 ingredients to mixing bowl. Mix with dough hook for 6 minutes. Dough should be a little sticky.
- Place in oiled bowl, cover and let rise in warm place until double in bulk.
- Punch down dough. Let rise again until double in bulk.
- Punch down again. Divide dough into 3 equal parts.
- Roll dough into three long strands. Braid the strands, tucking ends under. Cover with towel and let double in bulk.
- Brush with beaten egg yolk. Sprinkle with seeds. Bake at 400 F for approximately 30 minutes, until golden brown. The challah is done when it sounds hollow when thumped on the bottom.
CHALLAH (BRAIDED EGG BREAD)
Challah bread is one of the most satisfying things I make. I usually knead it in my Kenwood mixer, but there's nothing like kneading by hand to help relieve stress.
Provided by Mirj2338
Categories Breads
Time 4h
Yield 4 medium challahs
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Mix together 2 1/2 cups flour with the sugar (honey), salt and yeast.
- There is no need to dissolve the yeast first.
- Add the water and oil.
- Mix in 4 eggs.
- Beat in another 1 1/2 cups of flour very well.
- Add 4-5 cups of flour, until a very soft dough is formed.
- Knead for about 10 minutes.
- If using the dough hook, knead for about 7 minutes.
- Let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Alternately, let rise in the refrigerator overnight and then let warm to room temperature for about 1 or 2 hours.
- Decide how many challahs you want, how many strands you want to braid in each.
- Make a dough ball for each strand; roll them into ropes and braid.
- Let rise covered for 1/2-1 hour.
- Beat the remaining egg and brush on the challah.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325 F (150 C) for 30 minutes.
- Apply egg wash once more and bake for another 30 minutes at 350 F (175 C).
- This dough is enough for 4 medium sized challahs.
- You can really let your imagination run rampant here, making intricate braids, placing the braids in a loaf pan, even then winding them into a circle.
- You can add about 1/4 cup of raisins to the dough, but we leave them out.
RICH CHALLAH (BRAIDED EGG BREAD)
Many Challah breads either have too many eggs or just not enough. This recipe has just the right amount, about 1 egg per cup of flour. This recipe can also be done on the dough cycle in your bread machine and finished by hand. Best of all it makes THE BEST French toast! Cooking time does not include rising time.
Provided by QueenBof6
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 50m
Yield 1 LARGE LOAF, 16 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In bread machine add to bread pan in order suggested by manufacturer, select dough setting, press start.
- After beep, remove risen dough and follow directions on how to shape and bake below.
- In Kitchen-aid stand mixer or like devise mix dry ingredients in bowl and turn on low speed to incorporate.
- Add eggs one at a time, allow to mix in before adding next one, then add oil.
- Turn mixer up to next speed (2 on Kitchen-aid), add milk in a slow stream, knead until soft, smooth, and warm, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Grease a bowl and place dough in bowl turning to coat.
- Allow to rest and rise until double in size.
- ***Shaping and baking***.
- Punch down and turn out risen dough onto a lightly oiled surface, let rest 5 minutes, punching dough down gets it all excited, it needs to sit and relax.
- Shape dough into a log and cut off 1/3; set aside.
- Cut remaining dough into 3 pieces and roll into 18 inch ropes, start braid from middle and braid to one end, pinch together and tuck under, repeat with other side.
- Cut set aside dough into 3 pieces and roll out to 13-15 inches long, repeat braiding method and place smaller braid on top of larger braid.
- Grease a large 1/2 sheet baking sheet and place finished braid sideways from corner to corner.
- Allow to rise until almost double, mix glaze ingredients and brush loaf gently.
- Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 35-45 minutes, cover loosely with foil 15-20 minutes into baking to avoid over browning.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 231.9, Fat 7.3, SaturatedFat 1.3, Cholesterol 76.5, Sodium 255.9, Carbohydrate 34.9, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 4.9, Protein 6.2
Tips:
- Use fresh yeast for best results. If using active dry yeast, proof it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough.
- If you don't have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand. Just be sure to knead it for at least 10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This will take about 1-2 hours.
- When braiding the dough, be sure to tuck the ends under so that they don't come undone during baking.
- Bake the challah in a preheated oven until it is golden brown. This will take about 30-35 minutes.
- Let the challah cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Conclusion:
Challah is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is also a popular choice for holiday meals. With a little practice, you can easily make challah at home. So next time you're in the mood for something special, give this recipe a try!
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