Ingredients
Yield: 4 loaves (P)
Step 1
1. Dissolve the active dry yeast along with the sugar in the water in a large glass container. Mix and let sit about 10 minutes.
Step 2
2. In a large bowl mix 5 cups of the flour with the salt. Add the yeast mixture and the vegetable oil. Work the ingredients together with a spoon; when they come together turn out on a floured board, and knead with your hands until the dough becomes a smooth ball. Place in a greased bowl and let rise, covered, for an hour or so or until doubled.
Step 3
3. Punch down and divide into 4 balls. Cover with a towel and let rise about a half hour.
Step 4
4. Meanwhile, place 4 empty round baking pans or cookie sheets in a preheated 400-degree oven for about 10 minutes and remove.
Step 5
5. When the dough has risen, punch down and divide into 4 balls. At this point you can treat this like everyday or Sabbath bread. For weekdays, press down and stretch, using the back of your hand. Grease the baking pans and press the dough down into them. Using your fingers, make big indentations in the center of the dough. For Sabbath bread, keep the shape in a round and make a few slashes in the bread. Sprinkle the dough, whatever the shape, with water and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped with a spatula.
Leave a Review
Reviews (14)
Back to TopI am sorry to jump in on this one but Challah, is made with Egg, and it is made without Egg. You cannot say it is not Jewish Challah just because it is made in another area of the world. It was made by Jewish hands and served on the Sabbath by and for Jewish Families. Break the bread in peace, there are many other things to concerned about than if a bread contains an egg or not. Jim
JimWithrow
Rowlett TX
2/4/2009
我的家人从德国来到美国。这是funny to hear comments from people who think eggs make a challah real challah. In the eastern European tradition that is mostly true. However, in Germany challah had to be a white bread, fine- textured and nice and crusty. Egg challah seemed very odd to us. I think most Jewish communities in the world never put eggs into the challah dough. Nowadays I enjoy egg challah, but I still love the traditional challah I grew up with. Take a look at the Encyclopedia Judaica on this topic, if you want to see the variety of challot (with pictures) from around the world.
letparadise
Chicago
12/6/2008
Plenty of Challah recipies don't have eggs - it is called water challah.
Anonymous
Chicago
11/21/2008
Georgia is known for its long-standing, centuries old religious tolerance. What do you know about Georgia or about the Jews there? Just because it's not the recipe YOU expect to see, doesn't mean it's not challah. Get out in the world a little, people.
Anonymous
Tbilisi, Georgia
10/15/2008
People, "Jewish" does NOT equal "Ashkenazi." There are Jews all over the world, and have been for thousands of years. People raised in different cultures cook different foods. Just because it's not the recipe you grew up with doesn't mean it's not challah.
evaluna68
Evanston, IL
9/26/2008
Baruch Hashem! Thank you for this recipe! My son has serious egg allergies and we have the hardest time finding an egg-free challah (frankly any recipe that doesn't call for eggs in Jewish cooking is hard to find) we can use. The best part is, the kids can help and we get to enjoy shabbat.
cnirenblatt
Charleston, S.C.
4/13/2008
I like to make the braided kind and I use a little more yeast for that amount of flour
Anonymous
N>Y> originally now Florida
3/1/2003
x
Bryanna Grogan
Denman Island, B.C., Canada
12/18/2002
I added an egg into the recipe and brushed the top with another egg. Other than that it is a nice simple recipe for me.
Temple, TX
10/11/2001
You need eggs for challah bread! This recipe should not be on a site for traditional Jewish food.
Anonymous
New Jersey
9/18/2001
I have a very similar recipe, the only difference is that I use 2 eggs. I also brush the tops of the bread with a scrambled egg before baking. This is an easy recipe and the bread tastes great.
Anonymous
Brookline, MA
1/28/2001
I have a very similar recipe, the only difference is that I use 2 eggs. I also brush the tops of the bread with a scrambled egg before baking. This is an easy recipe and the bread tastes great.
Anonymous
Brookline, MA
1/28/2001
Have not tried this recipe, but for people looking for a traditional challah, try "Almost Grandmother's Challah," also on this site (search on "challah") which got great reviews. Plan to try it myself this weekend!
Anonymous
Riverside, CA
1/14/2000
Where were the Eggs ?? Challah Must have Eggs or it is Not actually Challah brd. Call it something else then but don't pass it off as Jewish Sabbath fare, please.
Deborah Rubenstein
Austin, Tx.
12/31/1999
Challa is "eggbread"....You forgot the eggs!!!!
Anonymous
Los Angeles, CA
9/7/1999
