Mom’s Challah is a beautifully braided bread that is both sweet and soft. The golden crust adds a touch of elegance, while the inside is fluffy and light, making it irresistible. Whether served during a holiday meal (Rosh Hashanah Table) or as a special treat for the family, this bread will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
The braided form of this bread creates a lovely presentation that makes it perfect for sharing. You can enjoy it plain or with your favorite spreads. Its slightly sweet flavor and pillowy texture make it the perfect companion for soups, salads, or even as a base for delicious French toast the next day.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup sugar
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1 tablespoon active dry yeast
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
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1 cup warm water
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2 large eggs
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1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
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Sesame seeds (optional)
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
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Add vegetable oil and warm water, and stir until combined.
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Crack in 2 eggs, one at a time, and mix until dough begins to form.
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Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long strand.
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Braid the three strands together, pinch the ends, and place the challah on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk and brush it over the challah. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
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Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the challah for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool before slicing.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal per slice | Servings: 10 slices
Mom’s Challah: A Traditional Recipe for Rosh Hashanah
When the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread wafts through your home, it is hard to deny the comforting power of this simple pleasure. For Jewish families, particularly around the time of Rosh Hashanah, one of the most cherished foods is challah. This traditional braided bread holds both symbolic and spiritual significance, making it more than just a treat on the table it is a piece of cultural heritage. Mom’s Challah, a recipe that has been passed down through generations, encapsulates everything that makes this bread so special.
The Tradition of Challah and Its Role in Rosh Hashanah
Challah bread is a type of Jewish bread that is rich, slightly sweet, and has a soft, airy texture. It is often braided, with its multiple strands symbolizing the unity and connectedness of the Jewish people. During Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, challah takes on added meaning. Traditionally, the round shape of challah served during Rosh Hashanah symbolizes the cyclical nature of the year. It’s a reminder that the past, present, and future are intertwined, and that every year is a new chapter in the ongoing story of life.
The sweetness of the challah during Rosh Hashanah is no accident. It is a symbolic gesture to invoke a sweet year ahead. The bread itself is often made with honey, contributing both flavor and meaning to the dish. Honey is a symbol of the desire for a sweet, prosperous year, and the golden, shiny crust of a perfectly baked challah represents the light and joy that the New Year should bring.
The Importance of Braiding
Challah is most often braided into a beautiful loaf with three, six, or even twelve strands. Each braid represents different aspects of life, from the three strands representing truth, peace, and justice, to the twelve strands which can represent the twelve tribes of Israel. The act of braiding also connects the cook to tradition, allowing them to pass down the process from one generation to the next.
For many families, this tradition is passed down from mother to daughter, with each generation adding its own little twist to the recipe. It is not uncommon to see the family matriarch sharing stories with younger generations, teaching them how to knead the dough and braid it just right, ensuring that the technique is never lost.
The Soft, Sweet Texture That Delights
The hallmark of a perfect challah is its light, fluffy texture. It should have a golden-brown crust that is both soft and crisp. The interior should be soft, almost pillowy, with a delicate sweetness that is not overwhelming. The balance between sweetness and savoriness is what makes challah so universally loved, and Mom’s Challah recipe strikes this balance perfectly.
One of the things that make this challah particularly special is the use of honey, vegetable oil, and eggs in the dough, which contribute to the bread’s soft texture and subtly sweet taste. The dough is allowed to rise twice, ensuring it reaches the ideal consistency. This gives the bread the perfect lift and an airy, soft crumb when sliced. While some challahs are more dense and heavy, the texture of Mom’s Challah is just the right amount of soft and light, a quality that has made it a favorite in many homes during Rosh Hashanah.
Pairing Mom’s Challah with Rosh Hashanah Dishes
Challah is not just a stand-alone bread; it pairs beautifully with various dishes served during Rosh Hashanah. One of the most common ways to enjoy challah during this time is with honey or jam, spreading it thick on a slice for a sweet bite that symbolizes the hope for a sweet year ahead.
Another classic pairing is with apples. Dipping a slice of challah into honey and taking a bite of crisp apple is a Rosh Hashanah tradition that is as delicious as it is symbolic. Apples represent the desire for a sweet year, and the honey-coated challah serves as the perfect medium to enjoy this ritual.
Challah also pairs wonderfully with various meats and dishes served during the holiday. From brisket to chicken, challah can be used to mop up gravy, stew juices, or sauces. The soft, slightly sweet bread contrasts beautifully with the savory flavors of the main course, making it the perfect side dish to complement the richness of the holiday meals.
In some families, challah is also used for hamantaschen, the traditional filled pastries served during Purim, or as a base for French toast the next day. This versatility makes challah an excellent bread to prepare in advance for Rosh Hashanah, as it can be enjoyed in many different ways throughout the holiday.
A Symbol of Blessings
Challah is often blessed before the meal during Rosh Hashanah, a tradition that holds deep spiritual meaning. The act of blessing the challah is seen as a way to honor the bread, acknowledging that the ability to prepare and enjoy such a nourishing food is a gift. In Jewish tradition, challah is not just any bread—it’s a sacred bread, made with care and love.
The blessing before the meal begins with a prayer over the wine, followed by the blessing over the challah. Traditionally, two loaves of challah are used, symbolizing the double portion of manna that the Israelites received during their journey through the desert. This symbolizes abundance and the belief that God will provide for the coming year. By sharing the challah with loved ones, families are reminded of the importance of community, sharing, and togetherness in the Jewish faith.
Why Make Your Own Challah?
While store-bought challah can be convenient, there is something uniquely special about making your own. The process of preparing challah from scratch, watching it rise and braid, and smelling it as it bakes in the oven, makes the bread even more meaningful. Baking challah is a labor of love that adds a personal touch to the holiday meal, making it that much more special when it is shared around the table.
Additionally, making your own challah allows you to customize the bread to your liking. You can adjust the level of sweetness, experiment with different toppings, or even add a touch of spice, like cinnamon, to create your own version of the classic. The joy of baking, along with the pride in serving homemade challah, is an experience that you and your loved ones will treasure.
Conclusion:
Mom’s Challah is more than just a delicious bread recipe. It is a connection to Jewish tradition, culture, and family. This bread, soft, slightly sweet, and braided with care, represents hope for a sweet and abundant year ahead. Whether enjoyed during Rosh Hashanah or as a comforting meal throughout the year, challah is a symbol of blessings, togetherness, and love. The act of making it, sharing it, and savoring it with loved ones is an integral part of the Jewish culinary tradition, and a recipe that will continue to be passed down from one generation to the next.
So, next time you gather with family and friends to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, consider adding Mom’s Challah to your menu. With its delicious flavor, comforting texture, and deep-rooted significance, it’s a perfect way to celebrate the New Year and share blessings with those around you.