Sesame Seed Challah (Egyptian Holiday Bread)

May 16, 2023May 16, 20230 1

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this delectable Sesame Seed Challah recipe

Sesame Seed Challah (Egyptian Holiday Bread)

by The Chefin Bread

Prep

30 min

Cook

30 min

Ready In

2 hours

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

200

Sugar

Fat

Sesame Seed Challah is a traditional Egyptian holiday bread that is like a brioche but with the added taste and texture of sesame seeds. It's a popular dish during celebrations like Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah. The bread is soft and tender, has a deep golden exterior and a soft, fluffy texture inside. The sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and texture to the bread which contrasts well with the sweetness of the bread. This bread can be eaten by itself, with butter or with a variety of spreads and toppings. It's also a great substitute for regular bread in sandwiches and can be enjoyed with a variety of fillings.

Instructions

1.	In a bowl, whisk together yeast, 1 tbsp. sugar and 3/4 cup of warm water.
2.	Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to activate the yeast.
3.	In a separate large bowl, mix 3.5 cups flour, 1/4 cup sesame seeds, salt, remaining sugar, eggs and yeast mixture.
4.	Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding more flour as needed.
5.	Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for an hour, until it doubles in size.
6.	Preheat the oven to 375°F.
7.	Brush an egg wash over the loaf and sprinkle a handful of sesame seeds.
8.	Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown on the outside and has a hollow sound when tapped.

PROS

Sesame Seed Challah is a sweet, soft and rich bread that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

It’s perfect for celebratory occasions and it can be served with a variety of spreads and toppings.

The sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and texture to the bread.

CONS

This bread is relatively high in calories due to the amount of flour and sugar used in the recipe.

It can be easily overeaten if not consumed in moderation.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Sesame seeds are packed with healthy nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium which can help support a healthy immune system.
The bread is also a great source of dietary fiber which can help reduce cholesterol levels and improve digestion.
However, due to the high amount of calories in this bread, it should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

	2 packages dry yeast
	3/4 cup water , plus more
	2 tablespoons sugar
	3 1/2 - 4 1/2 cups flour , plus more
	1/4 teaspoon salt
	3 eggs
	1/4 cup sesame seeds