Zomick's Bakery Original Challah
Zomick's Bakery Original Challah Recipe from Israel
Introduction
Zomick's Bakery Original Challah is a traditional Jewish bread that is soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for any occasion. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple at many holiday meals and celebrations.
History
Challah has been a part of Jewish tradition for centuries, with its origins dating back to biblical times. The word "challah" actually refers to the portion of dough that is set aside as an offering to God. Over time, challah has evolved into the braided bread that we know and love today.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup water
- 0.5 cup + 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- cups high gluten white or wheat flour
- 0.75 tsp salt
- large eggs
- 0.33 cup olive oil
- Sprinkle of sesame, poppy seeds, raisins, honey or cinnamon & sugar
- 5 lb (2.27 kg) Version (Original x3)
- 0.5 cup water (start with 4 cup)
- 0.5 cup + 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp yeast
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 15-16 cup flour
- large eggs
- cup olive oil
How to prepare
- Mix 2 tbsp of sugar into 1 cup of hot water. Sprinkle the yeast on top without mixing. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes until air pockets form at the top.
- Combine flour, the remaining sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the yeast mixture, 1 egg, oil, and the remaining 1 cup of water.
- Knead the mixture for 15 minutes. If using a mixer, watch for elasticity as kneading times may vary. Add more water or flour if needed.
- Place the dough in a large bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and allow it to rise for 0.5 hour.
- Punch down the dough and place it on a floured surface. Tear off a piece of dough, wrap it in foil, say the Bracha, and throw it into the oven as an offering.
- Divide the dough into two or three sections, then divide each section into three ropes. Braid the ropes and say a prayer for others. Loosely cover the braids and allow them to rise for 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F. Beat the remaining egg and generously brush the braids. Sprinkle them with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, raisins, or cinnamon and sugar.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a golden brown crust has formed.
- Enjoy this challah recipe with Zomick's!
Variations
- Add in raisins or chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet twist.
- Try using whole wheat flour for a healthier version of this bread.
- Experiment with different toppings like everything bagel seasoning or garlic and herbs.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to knead the dough for at least 15 minutes to develop the gluten and create a light and airy texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place to ensure a good rise.
- Brushing the braids with egg wash before baking will give them a beautiful golden color.
- Get creative with toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, raisins, or cinnamon and sugar for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Zomick's Bakery Original Challah is perfect for serving with butter, jam, or honey. It also makes a great addition to any bread basket or as a side to soups and salads.
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough is essential for developing the gluten and creating a light and airy texture.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place will ensure a good rise.
- Brushing the braids with egg wash before baking will give them a beautiful golden color.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable oil can be used in place of olive oil.
- If you don't have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough for Zomick's Bakery Original Challah ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Zomick's Bakery Original Challah on a beautiful bread board or platter. You can also braid the dough into different shapes for a unique presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Zomick's Bakery Original Challah pairs well with soups, salads, and sandwiches. It also goes great with a glass of wine or a cup of tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store Zomick's Bakery Original Challah in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Zomick's Bakery Original Challah contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Zomick's Bakery Original Challah contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Zomick's Bakery Original Challah contains approximately 8 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Zomick's Bakery Original Challah contains approximately 6 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Zomick's Bakery Original Challah is a good source of iron and B vitamins.
Alergens
This recipe contains wheat and eggs.
Summary
Zomick's Bakery Original Challah is a delicious bread that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a good source of iron and B vitamins, but it does contain allergens such as wheat and eggs.
Summary
Zomick's Bakery Original Challah is a delicious and traditional bread that is perfect for any occasion. With its soft texture and slightly sweet flavor, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this recipe and savor the rich history and flavors of this classic bread.
How did I get this recipe?
I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Zomick's Bakery Original Challah. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Ruth in New York City. Ruth had been raving about this incredible challah bread she had discovered at a local bakery, and she insisted that I try it.
As soon as I took my first bite of that soft, sweet bread, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. Ruth must have seen the excitement in my eyes because she immediately offered to share the recipe with me. She explained that the recipe was a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations in the Zomick family.
Ruth handed me a yellowed piece of paper with the recipe written in her beautiful cursive handwriting. I read through the ingredients and instructions carefully, taking note of every detail. It seemed like a simple enough recipe, but I could tell that there was something special about it.
When I returned home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and setting to work in my kitchen. As I mixed the flour, yeast, sugar, and eggs together, I couldn't help but think about the history and tradition behind this recipe. I imagined generations of Zomick bakers carefully measuring out the ingredients, kneading the dough, and shaping the loaves with love and care.
As the dough rose and baked in the oven, the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread filled my kitchen. When I pulled the golden loaves out of the oven, I knew I had succeeded in my quest to recreate Zomick's Bakery Original Challah. The bread was soft, slightly sweet, and utterly delicious.
I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family and friends. Everyone who tasted the challah raved about it, and they couldn't believe that I had made it myself. I proudly shared the recipe with them, passing on the tradition of Zomick's Bakery challah to the next generation.
Over the years, I have continued to make Zomick's Bakery Original Challah for special occasions and holidays. Each time I bake a batch of this bread, I feel a connection to the past and to the generations of bakers who came before me. I think about Ruth and the day she shared the recipe with me, and I am grateful for the gift of this delicious bread.
As I write this story, I can't help but smile at the memories of that summer day in New York City and the joy of discovering and mastering the recipe for Zomick's Bakery Original Challah. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, and I will continue to bake it with love and gratitude for years to come.