Sourdough Challah: Tangy Jewish Sabbath Bread

Welcome to a delightful journey of baking one of the most traditional and beloved breads: Sourdough Challah. This special bread has a rich, golden hue and a lovely, fluffy texture that makes it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home. Get ready to whisk, knead, and create something truly beautiful!

How To Make Sourdough Challah

To begin with, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe combines the tang of sourdough with the sweetness and softness of traditional challah, creating a loaf that is both unique and satisfying.

### Ingredients:

• 1 cup active sourdough starter
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm water, honey, and 2 of the eggs. Whisk together until well incorporated.
2. Add the salt and gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
4. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
5. Once risen, punch down the dough gently and turn it onto a floured work surface. Divide the dough into three equal pieces for braiding.
6. Roll each piece into a long strand, about 12-14 inches long. Braid the three strands together, pinching the ends to seal.
7. Place the braided challah on a lined baking sheet and cover with the kitchen towel again. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg and gently brush it over the braided dough for a beautiful golden finish.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Once done, allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your homemade sourdough challah!

There you have it! A simple yet rewarding recipe for sourdough challah that you can share with family and friends. It’s perfect for dipping in soups, making sandwiches, or enjoying with a touch of butter and jam. Happy baking!

source: breadbyelise.com