Sunday, December 15, 2013

Spelt Challah

The braided challah is the Jewish holiday bread. This sweet, golden and eggy bread is made in various sizes and shapes, all of which have a meaning. Round loaves are baked for Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) to symbolize continuity. For extra sweetness, you can add raisins to the dough. The inspiration for this delicious challah comes from whatsonmyplate.

120 ml Water, lukewarm
80 ml Milk, lukewarm
60 ml Coconut oil, melted and cool to room temperature
60 ml Honey
2 Eggs, lightly beaten
560 g White spelt flour
8 g Fine sea salt
20 g Fresh yeast
1 tsp Sesame seeds for topping

In the pan of your bread machine, fill in liquid ingredients, then white spelt flour, salt and the yeast. Select the “Dough” cycle, and press “Start”.
Once the “Dough” cycle is done, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead it briefly. Divide dough into 2 equal portions. Take one portion of dough and divide into 4 equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope. Arrange ropes in a criss-cross pattern and braid into a round.
Place braided round on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with another half. Or divide another half into 6-7 small portions to make dinner buns. Round up each piece and place them on another baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Whisk a small egg, brush dough all over and sprinkle the challah with sesame seeds. Let rise again until almost doubled, about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 190C/375F. Bake the challah for about 30 minutes, and 22 minutes for the small buns, until golden and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. Cool the bread on wire rack completely.