What is challah and how can it be used in recipes
If you’ve never had challah bread, I’m sorry you’ve been deprived of one of the best breads ever. It’s the perfect mixture of soft, chewy, and gorgeous with its braided structure (although it doesn’t have to be braided). While you can make it from scratch, it’s by no means easy. It’s best to find a good bakery (especially a Jewish bakery) and buy one from there. The first time I tried to make one…well, I ended up feeding it to the birds.
But what exactly is challah? Let’s discuss.
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Challah is a kosher bread that’s usually served at Rosh Hashanah but can also be seen during Purim and Shabbat. It’s made with eggs, water, flour, salt, and yeast with the eggs giving it its signature pale yellow color on the inside. It’s so gorgeous!
Some have add-ins like raisins, honey, or different kinds of seeds, but it really depends on what you like. I hate raisins, so I usually don’t eat a raisin one unless I’m desperate.
Challah is a Jewish kosher bread made with eggs and usually braided
If you want to get biblical (why not?), the word challah comes from the Hebrew word for portion. Jews were commanded by the Bible to separate 1/24 of their dough and give it to the Jewish priests or kohanim every Sabbath. It symbolizes giving the first of your dough to the Lord.
Ok, enough of that. Now, the fun part. Eating it! You can put this Jewish bread anywhere you would normally use white bread. Want to make a sandwich? Why not make it with challah? Looking to make some french toast? There is literally no bread better for french toast than challah! Have some challah that’s a little too dry just to eat? Throw it in a bread pudding!
I may or may not be known for just eating it plain, but anyway you eat it is the right way (please try your best to keep mayo off of it, but really…I’m not there to stop you).
If you make a holiday dish that calls for bread, try challah this year. It’s just the thing to send your recipe from good to out of this world. Mazel tov!
What’s your favorite way to eat challah bread? Let us know in the comments below!