Challah(Jewish Sabbath Bread)
A classic Jewish Sabbath bread with a slightly sweet, rich flavor and a beautiful braided appearance, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 2 cups of warm water, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl; set aside to rise.
- Combine 9 cups of flour, salt, eggs, and oil in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the yeast mixture and 1 cup of water to the dry ingredients.
- Mix well until ingredients are combined.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of flour on a board; turn out the dough and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl; cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about one hour.
- Turn out the dough onto a floured surface.
- Punch down the dough and divide it in half.
- Divide each half into 3 equal parts and form each into 15-inch lengths.
- Place 3 lengths on a greased baking sheet and braid them.
- Repeat with the remaining lengths.
- Press the ends of the braids together and turn them under to seal.
- Cover the braids and let rise for 45 minutes.
- Brush the loaves with a mixture of beaten egg yolk and water.
- Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seed.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your yeast is fresh and allow it to foam before mixing. If you run out of eggs, you can substitute one egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Adding a tablespoon of honey can enhance the sweetness and flavor profile. Kneading is crucial; make sure the dough is smooth and elastic for the best rise.
Serving Suggestions
Challah is perfect for French toast or served alongside soups and stews. Consider pairing it with a honey butter spread for a delightful breakfast option. It goes well with seasonal soups or can be enjoyed with a variety of spreads, making it a versatile addition to any meal. For a sweet treat, serve it with a slice of Torte 'Bird's Milk'.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover challah in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply toast slices or wrap in aluminum foil and warm in a low oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Challah(Jewish Sabbath Bread) contains roughly 3716 calories, with 129g protein, 723g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (258% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (163% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (145% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make challah ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Shape and bake the next day for fresh challah. This method enhances the flavor as well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).