Nora's Challah

Dive into the heartwarming tradition of bread baking with "Nora’s Challah," a rich, golden loaf that's as beautiful as it is delicious. This recipe combines soft, slightly sweet dough infused with honey and a touch of salt, braided to perfection for a show-stopping centerpiece. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, Nora's Challah offers subtle sweetness from granulated sugar and honey, while the egg wash creates a stunning glossy finish, enhanced with optional sesame or poppy seeds for a delightful crunch. Ideal for special occasions or everyday indulgence, this homemade bread is surprisingly easy to prepare and uses simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, and eggs. Lightly kneaded for just the right elasticity and baked to airy perfection, it's a comforting addition to any gathering. Whether paired with savory spreads or enjoyed plain, this traditional challah recipe will captivate your taste buds and warm your home with its irresistible aroma.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup Warm water
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 0.25 cup Granulated sugar
• 4.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 cup Vegetable oil
• 3 large Eggs
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 large Egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon Water (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Stir lightly and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of the flour and the salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, 2 of the eggs, and honey until well blended.

Step 4

Pour the yeast mixture and the wet ingredient mixture into the large bowl with the flour and salt. Stir until the dough begins to come together.

Step 5

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, gradually adding the remaining 0.5 cup of flour as needed, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.

Step 6

Place the dough in a large greased bowl, turning it to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 7

Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 3 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope, about 12-14 inches in length.

Step 8

Pinch the ropes together at one end and braid them gently but tightly. Once fully braided, tuck the ends underneath to secure the shape.

Step 9

Transfer the braided loaf to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover lightly with a towel and let it rise again for 30-40 minutes, until puffed.

Step 10

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 11

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining egg and tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash generously over the loaf. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds, if desired.

Step 12

Bake the challah for 25-30 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 13

Let the challah cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Nora's Challah!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1174.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3140.5

Total Fat 85.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 33.6g
Cholesterol 744mg	0%
Sodium 2651.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 505.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.2g	0%
Total Sugars 86.8g
Protein 87.0g	0%

Vitamin D 164IU	0%
Calcium 365.0mg	0%
Iron 31.7mg	0%
Potassium 1103.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.6%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 64.3%