Challah

Browse All Challah Recipes



Name Variations

 * hallah
 * challa
 * egg bread

About Challah
Wikipedia Article About Challah on Wikipedia

Challah, hallah (חלה), Barches (German and western Yiddish), Barkis (Gothenburg), Bergis (Stockholm), khala (Russian), khale (eastern Yiddish) is a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish braided bread eaten on Shabbat and Jewish holidays except Passover, when leavened bread is not allowed.

The association of challah with Judaism is most prevalent in the United States. Similar rich brioche-like breads (often braided) are also traditional in many other countries, such as Hungary and the Czech Republic among non-Jewish peasant populations. Very similar breads exist in other traditions: Turkish çörek; Armenian choreg; and Greek tsoureki, where it used to be an Easter specialty (with a red-dyed egg baked into the top), but is now available year-round.

Zomick's Bakery original challah recipe
Ingredients:
 * 1/2 cups water
 * 1/2 cup +1 tbsp sugar
 * tsp active dry yeast
 * cups high gluten white or wheat flour
 * 3/4 tsp salt
 * large eggs
 * 1/3 cup olive oil
 * Sprinkle of sesame, poppy seeds, raisins, honey or cinnamon & sugar
 * 5lb Version (Original x3)
 * 1/2 cups water (start with 4 cups)
 * 1/2 cups + 3 tbsp sugar
 * tbsp yeast
 * ¼ tsp salt
 * 15-16 cups flour
 * large eggs
 * cup olive oil

Instructions:
 * 1) Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar into 1 cup hot water. Sprinkle the yeast on top without mixing. Let rest 10 - 15 mins until air pockets form at top.
 * 2) Combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt in mixing bowl. Add yeast mixture, 1 egg, oil and remaining 1 cup water.
 * 3) Knead for 15 minutes. If you use a mixer, watch for elasticity as kneading times may vary. Add more water or flour if needed.
 * 4) Place the dough in large bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise for ½  hour.
 * 5) Punch down and place on floured surface. Rip off piece of dough, wrap it in foil, say the Bracha and throw it into the oven as an offering.
 * 6) Divide the dough into two or three sections, then divide each section into three ropes. Braid and say a prayer for others. Loosely cover braids and allow to rise for 2 hours.
 * 7) Preheat oven to 300*F. Beat the remaining egg and generously brush braids. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, raisins or cinnamon and sugar.
 * 8) Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown crust has formed.
 * 9) Enjoy this challah recipe with Zomick's!