Whole-Grain Challah

Modern Jewish Baker, by Shannon Sarna, published by The Countryman Press, a division of W.W.Norton & Company

Instead of using I GO-percent, whole-wheat bread flour in this recipe, I use a mix of flours: unbleached white bread flour; whole-wheat bread flour and oat bran (which adds sweetness and some health benefits, too). I encourage you to play around with your flour mix to include rye flour; spelt flour; buckwheat flour or others depending on your preferences. — S. Sarna

November 01, 2017

Ingredients

SERVINGS: Yields 2 medium loaves Cup(s)

For the dough:

1 ½ tablespoons dry active yeast
½ teaspoon sugar
1 ¼ cups lukewarm water
2 ½ cups unbleached bread flour (preferably King Arthur)
1 ½ cups whole-wheat bread flour (can also use regular whole-wheat flour)
½ cup oat bran
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ cup sugar
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs

For the topping:

1 egg yolk (or I whole egg)
1 teaspoon water
¼ cup whole oats (optional)
2 tablespoons whole flaxseed (optional)
¼ teaspoon coarse sea salt (optional)
¼ cup sunflower seeds (optional)
¼ cup sliced almonds (optional)

Instructions

For the dough:

In a small bowl, place the yeast, ½ teaspoon sugar and lukewarm water. Stir gently to mix. Allow to Sit 5 to 10 minutes, until it becomes foamy on top.

In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, mix together 1 cup of the unbleached bread flour with ½, cup of the whole-wheat flour, the oat bran, salt and sugar. Add the water- yeast mixture and oil to flour: Mix thoroughly.

Add another ½, cup of the bread flour. ½, cup of the whole-wheat flour and 2 eggs and mix until smooth, Switch to the dough-hook attachment if you are using a stand mixer.

Add the remaining flour and mix until dough comes together: H: should feel slightly dense and Just a tad sticky

Remove from bowl and place on a lightly floured surface. Hand knead for 30 seconds, Just until dough IS smooth and no longer sticky.

Place in a large greased bowl. Drape a warm, wet dish towel over the top and allow to rise 3 hours.

Divide the dough in two and braid the challahs into desired shape.

Place braided challah on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mat Allow the challah to rise another 45 to 60 minutes, or until you can see the size has grown and the challah seems light This step IS very Important to ensure a light and fluffy challah. Preheat oven to 375°F while the dough rises.

For the topping:

In a small bowl beat egg yolk with I teaspoon water.

Brush the egg wash liberally over challah. Sprinkle with whole oats, whole flaxseed or other desired toppings such as coarse sea salt, sunflower seeds or almonds,

Bake 24 to 26 minutes, or until the color IS golden.

NOTE: To ensure the freshness of your whole-wheat flour; make sure to store it in the freezer: Allow the whole-wheat flour to sit out at room temperature 20 to 30 minutes before using to make bread. Cold flour can slow down the rising process.