How to Make Sy's Challah - A Step-by-Step Guide

Sy's Challah is a traditional Jewish bread that is both delicious and symbolic. Challah is a staple at the Shabbat table and is also enjoyed during other Jewish holidays and celebrations. It is a rich, sweet bread that is braided into a beautiful shape, making it not only tasty but visually appealing as well.

This recipe for Sy's Challah has been passed down through generations and is a beloved family favorite. It's a labor of love that requires patience and skill, but the results are...

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Ingredients

  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water
  • 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
  • 4 large eggs, divided
  • 6 cups all-purpose flour, or as needed
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Additional Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
  • Servings: 24
  • Yield: 2 (1 1/2-pound) loaves

  • Place sugar, oil, and salt in either a mixing bowl for an electric mixer with a dough hook or any large bowl. Add hot water, and stir to dissolve sugar and salt. Stir in yeast, and let stand until mixture gets foamy. Add 3 slightly beaten eggs.
  • If using an electric mixer, add 4 1/2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until flour is mixed in, and dough gets stringy. This stringiness indicates that the gluten has developed. Continue to add flour until dough is all on dough hook; 1 or 2 cups is usually sufficient. Let hook continue to knead for several minutes. Dough should be smooth and elastic. To knead by hand, stir 4 1/2 cups of flour into the yeast mixture. Turn soft dough onto lightly floured surface, and work in 1 to 2 cups of flour. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Place dough into a greased bowl, and turn several times to coat the surface. Cover bowl with a damp cloth. Let dough rise until doubled in bulk. Punch down after first rising, and allow to rise a second time. The first rising is about 1 hour, the second about 45 minutes. Two risings make for better bread, but if time is a problem just do one.
  • Divide dough in half, and divide each half into three or four equal parts. Make two braids, and place both breads on a greased baking sheet. Cover, and allow to rise until doubled. Brush with remaining 1 egg, beaten. Sprinkle with poppy seeds.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Allow loaves to cool on a wire rack.
  • Nutrition

    158 cal.

    • Total Fat: 4g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Cholesterol: 31mg
    • Sodium: 303mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 26g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Calcium: 15mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 59mg