Grandma Ida’s Challah

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Servings: 4 cups Difficulty: Advanced
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Traditional braided egg bread with a soft, golden crust
Grandma Ida's Challah recipe image

This classic Grandma Ida’s Challah is a soft, slightly sweet egg bread perfect for Shabbat, holidays, or a comforting weekend breakfast. The dough is enriched with eggs and oil, resulting in a tender crumb and a beautiful golden-brown crust. Braiding the dough adds an elegant touch to any table setting. It pairs wonderfully with soup, stew, or simply with butter and jam. While traditional recipes often call for long rising times, this version includes helpful tips for speeding up the process using a microwave proofing method. Whether you bake it as a traditional braid or a round loaf, this homemade challah brings warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen. It stores well and reheats beautifully, making it a reliable favorite for family gatherings.

Grandma Ida's Challah recipe image
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Grandma Ida’s Challah

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4 cups Calories: 211

Description

This classic Grandma IdaâÂÂs Challah is a soft, slightly sweet egg bread perfect for Shabbat, holidays, or a comforting weekend breakfast. The dough is enriched with eggs and oil, resulting in a tender crumb and a beautiful golden-brown crust. Braiding the dough adds an elegant touch to any table setting. It pairs wonderfully with soup, stew, or simply with butter and jam. While traditional recipes often call for long rising times, this version includes helpful tips for speeding up the process using a microwave proofing method. Whether you bake it as a traditional braid or a round loaf, this homemade challah brings warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen. It stores well and reheats beautifully, making it a reliable favorite for family gatherings.

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients: yeast, 4 cups of flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
  3. Pour the beaten egg, oil, and lukewarm water into the well.
  4. Stir until the flour is dampened and a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until the dough is smooth and cleans the sides of the bowl (if using a mixer) or becomes manageable for hand kneading.
  6. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  7. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours.
  8. Punch down the dough and divide it in half.
  9. Divide each half into 3 or 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope.
  10. Braid the ropes together to form a loaf, pinching the ends to seal.
  11. Place braided loaves on a greased baking sheet or in greased loaf pans.
  12. Cover and let rise again until doubled, about 45-60 minutes.
  13. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  14. Whisk one egg with a tablespoon of water to make a glaze. Brush the tops of the loaves generously with the egg wash.
  15. Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the bread is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  16. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 cups

Amount Per Serving
Calories 211kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4.2g7%
Saturated Fat 0.6g3%
Cholesterol 15mg5%
Sodium 610mg26%
Total Carbohydrate 38g13%
Dietary Fiber 1.2g5%
Sugars 3.9g
Protein 4.5g9%

* 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, jewish, shabbat, egg bread, yeast, homemade, holiday, baking, dough, golden crust, traditional, weekend breakfast, family recipe, soft bread, sweet bread, middle eastern, vegetarian, comfort food
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