Challah bread is a traditional Jewish bread that is enjoyed all over the world. It is a sweet, eggy bread that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are celebrating Shabbat, a holiday, or just want to enjoy a delicious bread, challah is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
To make the perfect challah bread, you will need the following ingredients: - 4 cups of all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup of sugar - 2 teaspoons of salt - 1 package of active dry yeast - 1/2 cup of warm water - 1/2 cup of vegetable oil - 3 eggs - 1 egg yolk - Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect challah bread: 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well. 2. In a separate bowl, combine the yeast and warm water. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast is fully dissolved. 3. Add the yeast mixture, vegetable oil, 3 eggs, and 1 egg yolk to the flour mixture. Mix everything together until a smooth dough forms. 4. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. 5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. 6. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and divide it into 3 or 4 equal parts. 7. Roll each part into a long rope and braid them together. 8. Place the braided dough on a greased baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes. 9. Preheat your oven to 350°F. 10. Brush the top of the bread with a beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top. 11. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until it is golden brown. 12. Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Each slice of this delicious challah bread contains approximately: - Calories: 176 - Fat: 8g - Carbohydrates: 22g - Protein: 4g - Sodium: 242mg
Tips for the Perfect Challah Bread
- Use room temperature eggs and water to help the dough rise properly. - Be patient with the rising time. The longer the dough rises, the better the bread will be. - Don't over-knead the dough. This can make the bread tough and chewy. - Use a sharp knife or scissors to make the braid. This will help prevent the dough from tearing. - Brush the bread with an egg wash before baking to give it a shiny and golden brown crust.
Variations
Challah bread is a versatile bread that can be customized to your liking. Here are some variations you can try: - Cinnamon Raisin Challah: Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and 1/2 cup of raisins to the dough before kneading. - Chocolate Chip Challah: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough before kneading. - Savory Herb Challah: Add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano) to the dough before kneading.
Conclusion
Challah bread is a delicious and versatile bread that is perfect for any occasion. With this easy recipe, you can make your own challah bread at home and impress your family and friends. So go ahead and give it a try – you won't be disappointed!