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Braided sourdough challah on a wire rack with two slices cut
Desi

Sourdough Challah

A soft, golden, braided egg bread made with sourdough, honey and oil, with a glossy crust and a tender, slightly sweet crumb.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Rest / Ferment Time 9 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 10 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Jewish
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g (about 4 cups) bread flour
  • 100 g (about ½ cup) active sourdough starter
  • 100 g (2 large) eggs
  • 18 g (1 large) egg yolk
  • 125 g (about ½ cup) lukewarm water
  • 70 g (about 3 tbsp) honey
  • 60 g (¼ cup) neutral oil
  • 9 g (1½ tsp) fine salt
  • 50 g (1 large) egg, beaten with a splash of water, for the egg wash
  • 5 g (1 tsp) sesame or poppy seeds (optional)

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with a dough hook (optional)
  • Bench scraper
  • Baking sheet and parchment
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Pastry brush
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Whisk the starter into the water, eggs, yolk, honey and oil until fully dissolved, then add the flour and mix. Add the salt. Knead 8 to 10 minutes by machine or 12 to 15 by hand, until smooth and elastic.
  2. Bulk ferment in an oiled, covered bowl at about 78°F (26°C) for 6 to 8 hours until 50 to 75 percent bigger, or refrigerate 10 to 12 hours and rest 1 hour at room temperature.
  3. Divide into 3 pieces of about 325 g each, shape into balls, and rest 15 minutes.
  4. Roll each ball into a 16-inch rope, thicker in the center and tapered at the ends.
  5. Pinch the ropes together at the top and braid, keeping the braid snug but not stretched. Pinch the bottom and tuck both ends under.
  6. Proof on a parchment-lined sheet for 2 to 3 hours until puffy and a gentle finger press springs back slowly.
  7. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Brush with egg wash, wait 10 minutes, and brush again. Add seeds and bake 30 to 35 minutes until the center reads 190°F (88°C). Cool 1 hour.

Notes

Enriched dough rises slowly, so give it a warm spot and go by the dough, not the clock. Brush with egg wash twice for a deep glossy shine, and bake until the center reads 190°F (88°C).