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Challah, Favorite Recipe

Challah, Favorite Recipe recipe image
This classic Challah is a luxurious, braided bread characterized by its rich, slightly sweet flavor and tender, pillowy texture. Enriched with eggs, sugar, and butter, it offers a distinctively soft crumb that contrasts beautifully with its shiny, golden-brown crust. While traditionally served for Shabbat and holidays, this hearty loaf is equally at home at any weekend brunch or family dinner. The process of braiding the dough is meditative and rewarding, resulting in a stunning centerpiece for your table. It pairs wonderfully with soup, salad, or simply with butter and jam. This recipe yields a substantial loaf that is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, though it freezes well for later enjoyment.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 12
Calories: 830.4
Dietary: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Challah is a luxurious, braided bread characterized by its rich, slightly sweet flavor and tender, pillowy texture. Enriched with eggs, sugar, and butter, it offers a distinctively soft crumb that contrasts beautifully with its shiny, golden-brown crust. While traditionally served for Shabbat and holidays, this hearty loaf is equally at home at any weekend brunch or family dinner. The process of braiding the dough is meditative and rewarding, resulting in a stunning centerpiece for your table. It pairs wonderfully with soup, salad, or simply with butter and jam. This recipe yields a substantial loaf that is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, though it freezes well for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
  • 1 1/4 cups Cold water 3 Eggs
  • 2 package Dry yeast
  • 7 cups Unbleached flour (approx.)
  • 2 teaspoons Salt 1 Egg yold mixed w/ 1 T water
  • 6 tablespoons Butter or Margarine
  • 1 1/2 cups Golden raising (optional)
  • 1/2 cups Sugar (+ 1 T if desired)
Directions
  1. 1
    In a large bowl, combine 1/3 of the flour with the dry yeast, salt, and sugar.
  2. 2
    Add the cold water, eggs, and melted butter to the dry ingredients.
  3. 3
    Beat on low speed until the dough forms a ball, then increase speed to beat for 5 minutes.
  4. 4
    Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. 5
    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. 6
    Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  7. 7
    Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal portions.
  8. 8
    Roll each portion into a long rope, approximately 18 inches long.
  9. 9
    Pinch the tops of the ropes together and braid them tightly from top to bottom.
  10. 10
    Place the braided loaf on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  11. 11
    Preheat oven to 350&# 194;°F (175ðC).
  12. 12
    Brush the loaf with the egg yolk and water mixture for a golden finish.
  13. 13
    Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  14. 14
    Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

Amount Per Serving
Calories 830.4kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 34.1g53%
Saturated Fat 10.4g52%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 20491.4mg854%
Total Carbohydrate 124.8g42%
Dietary Fiber 6.0g24%
Sugars 60.5g
Protein 10.2g21%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: challah, bread, braided, egg bread, jewish, shabbat, yeast, baking, homemade, flour, sweet, golden, soft, brunch, holiday, dough, rich, comfort food
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/challah-favorite-recipe/