Challah

prep time: 10 mins     additional time: 2 hours     cook time: 35 mins

Makes 1 large or 2 medium challah

Challah is a type of bread that has the ability to vanish off your table before you realize! Made of enriched yeast dough makes a soft and comforting bread that can be eaten with jam, honey, cheddar cheese or just generous amount of butter!

If you manage to have any leftovers (which is very unlikely) - you can make it into bread and butter pudding or simple 'pretend doughnuts' - beat some eggs with vanilla extract and fry until golden, top with a dollop of you favourite jam and voila!!

700 g bread flour (+ some more for dusting)

7 g active dry (or instant) yeast

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs (+ 1 beaten egg for glaze)

100 ml neutral-flavoured vegetable oil (canola, rapeseed etc.)

3 Tbsp honey

250 ml warm water

about 4 Tbsp of seeds (white sesame, black sesame, poppy seeds, linseeds) - optional

1. Mix all the dry ingredients. In a jug, mix all the wet ingredients. Add to the flour mix and knead by hand or in a food processor with dough attachment for 10 mins. Place in a well-oiled bowl, cover with a cotton kitchen towel or with clingfilm and put in a warm place to double in size (1-2.5 hrs depending on how hot is your kitchen. 

You can also leave it in a fridge for a slow rise on a lower shelf of your fridge.

2. Turn out the dough on a well-floured surface, deflate and shape - you can braid in 3-, 4-, or 6- strands. Divide the dough equally and shape each part into a long rope. Pinch the ropes on one side and start braiding - much like braiding the hair! Pinch the ends together. 

3. Place the braided challah on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover with a kitchen towel and allow to rise for about 30-40 mins.

4. In the meantime heat up the oven to 160*C (320*F). Brush the risen challah with the beaten egg wash (twice) and sprinkle with seeds if so you wish. Place in the oven to bake.

5. Bake for about 30-35 mins or until the bread is deeply browned. Let challah cool on a cooling rack and eat!!!