Honey Challah Rolls

Honey Challah Rolls Recipe from Israel | Sesame Seed Bread Rolls

Region / culture: Israel | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 22 minutes | Servings: 16

Introduction

Honey Challah Rolls are a delicious and sweet bread roll that is perfect for any occasion. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and have a hint of sweetness from the honey. They are great for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for dinner.

History

Challah is a traditional Jewish bread that is typically braided and eaten on the Sabbath and other Jewish holidays. The addition of honey to the dough gives these rolls a unique flavor and sweetness. Challah is often associated with celebration and is a staple in Jewish cuisine.

Ingredients

3.5 to 4 cups of bread flour
2 packages of active dry yeast
1.5 tsp of salt
2 eggs
1 cup of hot water (120°F (49°C) to 130°F)
2 tbsp of honey
2 tbsp of oil
sesame seeds

How to prepare

In an electric mixer, combine 1.5 cups of flour, yeast, and salt. Blend well.
Separate one egg and set the white portion aside.
Add the yolk and remaining egg, hot water, honey, and oil to the flour mixture. Mix vigorously.
Knead the mixture with a dough hook for about 6 minutes, adding flour if sticky, until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, turn out onto a floured board and knead for about 10 minutes.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to grease the top.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a damp towel.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
Punch down the dough and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Divide the dough evenly and shape it into 16 balls.
Arrange the balls in a greased 9-inch layer cake pan, working from the outside in. Place 10 balls around the perimeter, then 5, and 1 in the center.
Lightly beat the reserved egg white and brush it over the rolls.
Sprinkle the rolls with sesame seeds.
Cover the pan and let the rolls rise until doubled in size, about 15 minutes.
Bake the rolls at 350°F (177°C) for about 22 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
Serve the rolls warm.

Variations

Add raisins or dried fruit to the dough for a sweeter flavor.
Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top of the rolls before baking for a cinnamon roll twist.
Brush the rolls with melted butter and garlic for a savory option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use bread flour for this recipe to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to ensure a good rise.

- Let the dough rise in a warm place to help activate the yeast.

- Brushing the rolls with egg white before baking gives them a shiny and golden crust.

- Serve the rolls warm for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Honey Challah Rolls are perfect for serving with butter, jam, or honey. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread or as a side dish for dinner.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic is key to a good rise.

- Letting the dough rise in a warm place helps activate the yeast.

- Brushing the rolls with egg white before baking gives them a shiny crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour, but the texture may be slightly different.

- Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of honey for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Honey Challah Rolls ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Honey Challah Rolls on a platter with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Honey Challah Rolls pair well with soups, salads, and roasted meats. They also go well with a cup of tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Honey Challah Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Honey Challah Rolls contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Honey Challah Rolls contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Honey Challah Rolls contains approximately 4 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Honey Challah Rolls contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Honey Challah Rolls are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and eggs.

Summary

Honey Challah Rolls are a delicious and nutritious bread roll that is perfect for any occasion. They are a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, iron, and calcium.

Summary

Honey Challah Rolls are a delicious and sweet bread roll that is perfect for any occasion. They are soft, fluffy, and have a hint of sweetness from the honey. Serve them warm with butter, jam, or honey for a delightful treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a cool autumn day, with a gentle breeze blowing through the kitchen window as I sifted through an old recipe book that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Honey Challah Rolls, and I knew I had to try it.

I had always loved baking, ever since I was a little girl helping my own mother in the kitchen. There was something magical about mixing together flour, sugar, and eggs, and watching as they transformed into something delicious and comforting. And there was nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven, filling the house with warmth and coziness.

But this recipe was different. It called for a special touch – honey. I had never used honey in my baking before, but I was intrigued by the idea of adding a touch of sweetness to the traditional challah bread. I could already imagine the rich, golden color of the rolls, glistening with a sticky honey glaze.

I set to work gathering the ingredients – flour, yeast, salt, eggs, and of course, the star of the show, honey. As I mixed and kneaded the dough, I could feel the familiar rhythm of baking settling over me. It was a peaceful, meditative process, each movement deliberate and purposeful.

As the dough rose and doubled in size, I shaped it into small rolls, carefully braiding each one with three strands of dough. I brushed them with a beaten egg wash, and then drizzled them with a generous amount of honey before placing them in the oven to bake.

The smell that filled the kitchen as the rolls baked was intoxicating – a sweet, yeasty aroma that made my mouth water. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product, to see if my experiment with honey had paid off.

When the rolls were finally done, I pulled them out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. The honey glaze had caramelized on top, creating a shiny, sticky crust that hinted at the sweet goodness inside. I couldn't resist tearing off a piece and taking a bite.

The rolls were everything I had hoped for and more. The honey added a depth of flavor that complemented the rich, buttery dough perfectly. Each bite was soft and tender, with just a hint of sweetness that lingered on the tongue.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my baking repertoire. It was a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, a way to honor the past while embracing new flavors and techniques. And every time I made these Honey Challah Rolls, I would think back to that first moment of discovery, when I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.