Challah (Braided Egg Bread) Recipe
Description:
Challah bread is a delightful creation, perfect for any occasion. Its rich, eggy interior and golden, glossy crust make it a favorite among bread enthusiasts. While it may seem daunting, crafting this bread is not only rewarding but also therapeutic, especially when kneading by hand. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the joy of making Challah bread from scratch!
- Name: Challah (Braided Egg Bread)
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Recipe Category: Breads
- Keywords: European, Healthy, Kosher, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
- Yield: 4 medium challahs
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 8 – 9 cups | Flour |
| 3/4 – 1 cup | Sugar |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1 cup | Water |
| 2 1/2 cups | Eggs |
| 1/2 cup | Oil |
| 5 tsp | Yeast |
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 1431.5
- Fat: 36.7g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 232.5mg
- Sodium: 1849.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 234.6g
- Fiber: 10.6g
- Sugar: 38.3g
- Protein: 39.4g
Instructions:
-
Prepare Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour with sugar, salt, and yeast. No need to dissolve the yeast first. Add water and oil, then mix in 4 eggs. Beat in another 1 1/2 cups of flour until a soft dough forms.
-
-
Knead: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes by hand or 7 minutes if using a dough hook, until smooth and elastic.
-
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. Alternatively, refrigerate overnight and then let it come to room temperature for 1-2 hours.
-
Shape Challahs: Decide how many challahs you want and how many strands to braid for each. Divide the dough accordingly, then roll them into ropes and braid. Let them rise covered for 1/2-1 hour.
-
Egg Wash: Beat the remaining egg and brush it onto the challahs before baking.
-
Bake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (150°C). Bake the challahs for 30 minutes. Apply another egg wash and increase the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until golden brown.
-
Serve: Allow the Challah bread to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy its delicious flavor and tender texture!
Tips:
- Feel free to get creative with braiding techniques or shaping the dough into different forms.
- For added texture and flavor, consider incorporating 1/4 cup of raisins into the dough, although it’s optional.
Conclusion:
Making Challah bread from scratch is a fulfilling experience that yields delicious results. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at bread-making for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the kneading process, and savor the joy of baking homemade Challah bread.
