Challah is a soft, sweet, and golden bread. It is a very famous bread in Jewish homes. People make it mostly on Fridays for Shabbat, and also on holidays. It is made with eggs, flour, water, sugar, and oil. Sometimes people add honey too. The bread is shaped in a braid, which makes it look very beautiful. When it bakes, it becomes golden brown and smells so good. People eat it with butter, jam, or even just plain.
Some also use it to make French toast the next morning. Challah is more than just bread. It brings families together. When you bake it, your whole house will smell like love.
Famous Challah Ingredients:
These are simple items from any kitchen
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup sugar
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2 teaspoons salt
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1 tablespoon dry yeast
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1 cup warm water (not hot)
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2 eggs (for dough)
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1 egg (for brushing on top)
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1/4 cup oil (vegetable or olive)
How to Make Famous Challah
Step-by-step directions anyone can follow
First, take a big bowl. Put in the warm water and the sugar. Mix a little. Now add the yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You will see bubbles on top. That means the yeast is active. Now add the oil, eggs, salt, and half the flour. Mix everything slowly. Then add the rest of the flour. Use your hands or a spoon to make the dough. It should be soft but not sticky. If it is sticky, add a little more flour. Now take the dough out and put it on a clean table. Sprinkle some flour on the table so it does not stick. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes. Press it, fold it, and turn it again and again. This helps make the bread soft and nice.
Take a clean bowl. Put a little oil in it. Place the dough inside. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it sit for 1 to 2 hours. The dough will grow big, almost double in size. That means it’s ready.
Next, take the dough out. Press it a little to remove the air. Divide it into 3 equal parts. Now roll each part like a rope. Join the 3 ropes at the top and start braiding them. Just like you do for hair. When it’s done, press the ends and tuck them under.
Place the bread on a baking tray with paper or oil on it. Cover it again and let it rest for 30 minutes. It will grow a little more.
Now take the last egg. Beat it with a spoon. Use a brush or your fingers to rub the egg on the top of the bread. This makes it shiny and golden when baked.
Also Read: Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe – Simple, Crispy & Delicious
Baking the Challah
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Once hot, put the tray in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check after 20 minutes. If it looks brown on top, tap it. If it sounds hollow, it’s done. Take it out and let it cool. The smell will be amazing.
Enjoying Challah at Home
Challah is very soft and tasty. You can eat it fresh. Some people like it with jam or butter. It is also great with tea or coffee. Many families eat it with soup or curry. You can also use it to make toast or sandwiches the next day. Some even make sweet dishes like bread pudding from leftover challah. Kids love it because it is a little sweet. Old people love it because it is soft. Everyone in the family will enjoy it.
Tips for Making Better Challah
If you are making it for the first time, don’t worry. Just follow the steps slowly. Always check if your yeast is good. If there are no bubbles, use new yeast. Don’t use hot water. Warm water is enough. If you want a softer bread, add one spoon of honey to the dough. If you want to try new things, you can add raisins or sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking. You can also make smaller braids and give them to friends. This bread is perfect for sharing.