Challah Bread

 

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Challah

Yield: 1 loaf

Ingredients

4 & 1/4 - 4 & 1/2 cups (670 - 705 g) all purpose flour, plus extra as needed

1 & 1/4 cups (310 ml) warm water (105-115 F / 40-46 C)

1 tbsp (10 g) active dry yeast

4 tbsp (46 g) brown sugar

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 cup (60 ml) light tasting olive oil, plus extra for greasing

1.5 tsp  (13 g) salt

1 egg beaten with a spoonful of water

Sesame or poppy seeds for sprinkling (optional)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, add 3 cups (470 g) of the flour and make a well in the center. Pour in the water. Sprinkle the yeast and 1 tbsp (11 g) of the brown sugar over the water. Stir the water to dissolve the yeast. Cover and let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.

2. Add the remaining brown sugar, the eggs, oil and salt to the well. Mix well until a shaggy mass forms, about 2 minutes.

3. Mix in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup (75 g) at a time, until it's too tough to mix. Turn the dough out on a floured surface, kneading in the rest of the flour, for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. 

4. Transfer the dough to an oiled deep bowl and turn once to coat it. Cover loosely with cling film and let rise at room temperature doubled in bulk, 1.5-2 hours.

5. Gently punch down the dough with your fist, turn it over, re-cover, and let rise again until doubled, about 1 hour.

6. Preheat your oven to 350 F (180 C, gas mark 4). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 3 equal portions; roll into 3 ropes each 14 inches (35 cm) long. Place the ropes parallel to one another and braid them. Pinch the ends into tapered points and tuck them under, then place the loaf on the prepared pan. Brush the top with half of the egg mixture. Cover loosely with lightly oiled cling film and let rise until almost doubled, about 40 minutes.

8. Brush the loaf with the remaining egg mixture and sprinkle with the seeds if using. Bake until deep golden brown, 45-50 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool.  

For Video Instructions, please check out my video How To Make Challah Bread!