Challah Bread

As found on the ‘His Israel’ Messianic website. This recipe makes two fairly large loaves (1 kg plain flour) and is the one I use for Communion at New Life. It’s wonderful every time, but there are other recipes that make smaller loaves.

• Ingredients
• 1 kg plain flour
• 2 Tablespoons instant yeast
• 6 Tablespoons sugar
• 1 Tablespoon salt
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup oil
• 2 cups warm water
• 1 beaten egg (for wash on top of challah)
• sesame seeds for sprinkling on top

Method:

1. Into a large plastic or glass bowl place just over half the flour.    Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix well.
2. Add the liquid ingredients and mix well.
3. Add the remaining flour one cup at a time mixing well each time.
4. When all the flour has been added, turn out onto your workspace and knead until the flour is well integrated.  It will be sticky, just put flour on your hands if necessary, but don’t add more flour to the mixture.
5. Lightly oil the bowl and return the dough to the bowl, cover with a tea towel and leave in a warm place until doubled (usually one hour).
6. Punch down and divide for braiding (this makes two large challot or three medium sized loaves).
7. Plait the loaves and then place onto a greased and floured cookie sheet.
8. Allow to rise again for about 30 minutes.
9. Brush tops with 1 beaten egg; sprinkle with sesame seeds.
10. Bake for 30 minutes at 350/180 degrees.
Enjoy and “Shabbat Shalom!”