Traditional Steam-Baked Challah

Nelly Fayman
Nelly Fayman
January 4, 2022
This challah is perfect for shabbat.
Serves
10
Prep Time
03:30
Cook Time
00:35
Traditional Steam-Baked Challah
5 (2)
1149
Ingredients
1 cup plus 1 Tbsp
lukewarm water
1.75 tsp
instant yeast
1.25 lb
sifted all-purpose flour
⅓ cup
granulated sugar
3 Tbsp
neutral oil
1 extra-large
egg yolk
1.5 tsp
coarse salt
Steps

1. Making the yeast water

In a large bowl, whisk together the water and yeast until dissolved.

2. Make Dough

Add about 1/3 of the flour to the bowl with the yeast-water mixture. Add the sugar, oil, egg yolk, and salt. Stir until homogenous and soupy. Add another 1/3 of the flour. Mix until it gets little tougher than before. Add the remaining flour and mix until you cannot mix any longer. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured counter and knead by hand until smooth and elastic, at least 12 minutes.

3. Let Rise

Transfer to a clean large bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 2 to 3 hours.

4. To Make 4-Braid Challah

Divide the dough into 4 pieces and roll each into 12-inch-long strands. Braid, following the directions in the video. Let rest for 30 minutes before baking.

5. To Make 6-Braid Challah

Divide the dough into 6 pieces and roll each into 12-inch-long strands. Braid, following the directions in the video. Let rest for 30 minutes before baking.

6. Preheat the Oven

Rack
While the braided loaf rests, heat the oven.
Sous Vide Mode: Off
Steam: 60%
Temp: 350°F
Heat: Bottom

7. Baking

Rack
Transfer to the oven and bake until fully cooked, 30 to 35 minutes.
Sous Vide Mode: Off
Steam: 60%
Temp: 350°F
Heat: Bottom
00:30 Timer

8. Crisp

Rack
Leave the bread in the oven as the heating unit changes. Continue to bake until the top is crisp, about 5 minutes.
Sous Vide Mode: Off
Steam: 60%
Temp: 350°F
Heat: Top
00:05 Timer

9. Serve

Let cool completely before serving.
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