1st time making CHALLAH
👩🍳Home Recipe :1 cup water
2 large eggs, beaten or (3 if small)
3 Tbsp. honey
1/4 cup vegetable oil
4 cups bread flour
3 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2-1/2 tsp.active dry yeast
Let it rise for 1 hour
Oven 350 bake for 25 mins or until brown
Challah bread is a traditional Jewish braided bread often enjoyed during Sabbath and holidays, known for its slightly sweet flavor and soft, fluffy texture. This recipe uses common pantry ingredients such as bread flour, active dry yeast, eggs, honey, and vegetable oil. To achieve the best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and activate it properly in warm water to help the dough rise well. The dough should be kneaded sufficiently to develop gluten, which provides the bread’s characteristic chewiness. Letting the dough rise for about one hour allows it to double in size, making the bread light and airy. Braiding is a key step in the challah-making process, traditionally done with three or six strands, to give the bread its distinctive look. Before baking, brushing the dough with an egg wash adds a beautiful golden-brown shine. Baking at 350°F for about 25 minutes will cook the bread thoroughly without drying it out. Variations can include adding raisins or seeds like sesame or poppy seeds for extra flavor and texture. Homemade challah is not only delicious but also versatile—it can be eaten fresh, used for French toast, or transformed into bread pudding. By mastering this straightforward recipe, even first-time bakers can enjoy the rewarding experience of making traditional challah at home, sharing a piece of cultural heritage and the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread.
