**Challah: A Symbol of Jewish Culture and Cuisine Explored Through a Collection of Diverse Recipes**
Challah, a traditional Jewish bread, holds a significant place in Jewish culture and cuisine. This article delves into the world of challah, presenting a comprehensive collection of recipes that showcase its versatility and symbolism. From the classic egg challah, a staple on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, to the sweet and indulgent chocolate chip challah, perfect for special occasions, this article offers a recipe for every taste and occasion. Additionally, it explores unique variations such as the savory rosemary and olive oil challah, a delightful blend of herbs and flavors, and the hearty whole wheat challah, a nutritious and wholesome choice. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this article provides detailed instructions, helpful tips, and stunning photographs that guide you through the process of creating these delectable challah variations. Discover the rich history and significance of challah, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates Jewish heritage and traditions through the art of baking.
FANTASTIC VEGAN CHALLAH
A delicious vegan challah adapted from an Israeli cookbook by Keren Peled. When I don't need to make this vegan, I just use an egg instead of the egg replacer and also brush with an egg for the glaze with, perhaps a pinch of brown sugar and soy milk or even regular milk for a dairy meal (we have a Dairy ONLY kitchen). You may also sprinkle with poppyseeds, add vanilla and/or cinnamon (I'm trying this for the first time today) or replace the vital wheat gluten with ground flax seeds (which I prefer!) This is our standby challah recipe for shabbat and chaggim and it's truly delicious (and I'm HARD to please)!
Provided by Food Snob in Israel
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 1h55m
Yield 2 large loaves
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Put all ingredients into a bread machine.
- Set to dough setting.
- take out dough and braid.
- brush with glaze
- sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- cook until done in an aproxamately 325 degree fahrenheit oven. Should be light golden on the top.
- Enjoy.
FANTASTIC CHALLAH
This recipe came from a lot of trial and error. It was the first major thing I learned to cook on my own, so I'm pretty proud of it. I use it for a traditional Shabbos meal, but its good anytime. Most of the prep time is from the dough needing to rise. It's actually very easy to make.
Provided by Kerri Stern
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 3h30m
Yield 2 loaves
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- This recipe works best in a big mixer, but can be done by hand.
- I've never tried it in a bread machine.
- In a separate bowl, proof yeast by mixing with with 3/4 cup of warm water (follow temperature guide on package) and 1T sugar.
- It should double in size.
- While yeast is proofing, put dry ingredients into mixing bowl.
- Wait for the yeast to be ready to add eggs, oil, 1 C warm water, and the yeast mixture.
- Mix on lowest setting for about a minute then increase slightly to reccommended setting for bread.
- Mix for 10- 15 minutes adding flour if needed.
- Dough should be sticky, but pull away from sides of bowl.
- Leave dough in the same bowl to rise, and cover with a damp cloth.
- Keep it someplace warm, I like to run the dishwasher at the same time and put the bowl on top.
- Let it rise for 1 1/2- 2 hours, until double in size.
- When dough is doubled, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead by hand a little.
- Oil 2 large loaf pans well, this bread tends to stick.
- divide the dough in half.
- You can braid it like traditional challah, or just form into a loaf shape and put it into the pan.
- To braid it divide each half into three pieces and roll each into a rope.
- Pinch the ends of three ropes together and alternate crossing the sides over the middle.
- Pinch the ends together and place in loaf pan.
- Brush the top with a beaten egg.
- You can also top with sesame or poppy seeds.
- Bake for 1/2- 3/4 hour at 350 degrees.
- Bread should be medium brown and should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Let cool on a cake rack.
- This challah freezes very well if wrapped tightly.
- It tastes great warm.
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better your challah will taste. This is especially true for the yeast, which should be active and bubbly.
- Proof the yeast: Proofing the yeast before you add it to the dough ensures that it is active and will help your bread rise properly.
- Knead the dough properly: Kneading the dough develops the gluten, which gives challah its characteristic chewy texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place: The dough should rise in a warm place, about 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, until it has doubled in size.
- Bake the challah at a high temperature: Challah should be baked at a high temperature, about 375 degrees Fahrenheit, for about 30 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
- Brush the challah with egg wash: Brushing the challah with egg wash before baking gives it a shiny, golden crust.
Conclusion:
Challah is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is easy to make and can be customized with different toppings and fillings. With a little practice, you can make perfect challah every time.
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