Brace yourself, dear reader, for a delightful foray into the fragrant world of traditional Jewish bread-making with an untraditional, delicious twist: introducing the Golden Turmeric Challah Bread! Imagine the sweet, lush aroma of challah wafting through your kitchen, enriched by the unapologetic punch of turmeric’s magic. Plunge into our shared culinary journey adorned with the dazzling color splash of this golden spice, which not only electrifies your taste buds but lights up your kitchen in an amber glow like a setting sun.
Ingredients List
Delve into the dance of baking with the following ingredients:
– 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast
– 1 cup lukewarm water
– 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar
– 4 -4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– Sesame or Poppy seeds for topping (Optional)
Instructions
1. Begin by dissolving the yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in the warm water. Let it stand for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, signifying yeast activation.
2. Next, whisk together the flour, the remaining sugar, salt, and turmeric in a large bowl. The turmeric not only brings our “golden” theme but further emboldens the taste in an unexpected, delightful way.
3. In a different bowl, beat one of the eggs, and combine it with the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Stir this wet mix into the flour mixture until a dough forms.
4. Now comes the fun part! Turn out the dough onto a floured surface, and knead until it turns smooth and elastic. Patience is key here – like all good things, splendid dough takes time.
5. Let your beautifully kneaded dough rise, placing it in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth, and leaving it in a warm spot.
6. After the first rise, divide your dough into three equal parts, and braid them together to form the traditional challah shape. Let it rise again until it doubles in size.
7. Brush the dough with the remaining beaten egg, sprinkle it with sesame or poppy seeds if you’d like, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes until the beauty turns golden – a hint to the treat that awaits within!
Cooking Time & Servings
From mixing to baking, the entire process for our Golden Turmeric Challah Bread totals up to about 2 to 3 hours, yielding a large loaf that this recipe provides. It’s the perfect shareable delight for 6 to 8 people.
Nutritional Information
Apart from its artistic allure and tempting taste, the Golden Turmeric Challah Bread boasts a balanced nutritional profile. As we savor the flavors, we also embark on a journey to a healthier lifestyle. Every serving of this golden glory bestows about 190 calories, with almost 5 grams of protein, 27 grams of carbohydrates, and 6 grams of fat. The hero here, turmeric, adds its unique healing touch.
Tips and Tricks
While the recipe is simple enough to follow, here are some tips. First, to enhance the turmeric flavor, you may include a pinch of black pepper. Second, the yeast’s performance is key to a flawless loaf, so never rush the proofing stage. Finally, you might add raisins or nuts for an interesting take on this traditional recipe.
With the last bite of the Golden Turmeric Challah Bread melting in your mouth…
You’ll reflect on the memorable experience of baking this delightful loaf and savoring each bite. So, dear readers, dare to turn your kitchen into the canvas for this culinary masterpiece. Share your baking escapades, exciting variations, and the joy of tasting this bread with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I replace turmeric with any other spice?
– While turmeric gives the bread its distinct golden color and unique taste, you may also experiment with spices like paprika or cumin.
2. Can I use instant yeast?
– Yes, instant yeast can be used. The measurement would be the same, but there’s no need to activate it in warm water.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour?
– Of course! You can replace half the quantity of white flour with whole wheat for a healthier version.
4. How can I make my challah bread more moist?
– Adding honey or a bit more oil can help you achieve a moister texture.
5. Can this bread be baked in a bread maker?
– While the dough can be prepared in a bread maker, for the traditional challah shape, it’s best to bake it in the oven.
