Delicious Raisin Challah Recipe For Irresistible Bread
Looking to add some sweetness to your homemade bread? Look no further! This challah with raisins recipe is the perfect solution. With its soft, fluffy texture and bursts of juicy raisins, this bread is bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned bread baker or new to the world of homemade bread, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. So, let’s jump right in and learn how to make this delicious challah with raisins recipe that will leave everyone asking for more.
Challah with Raisins Recipe
Do you crave the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread? Are you a fan of sweet and chewy raisins? Look no further than this delightful challah with raisins recipe! Challah, a traditional Jewish bread, is known for its soft and fluffy texture, and this version adds a touch of sweetness and a burst of flavor with the addition of juicy raisins. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family. So, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delectable challah with raisins.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons instant yeast
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs, plus 1 for egg wash
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup warm water
– 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs, vegetable oil, and warm water until well combined.
3. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a clean and lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Once the dough is well kneaded, flatten it out slightly and sprinkle the raisins evenly over the surface. Gently knead the dough again to incorporate the raisins.
6. Place the dough back into the mixing bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
7. After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it back to the floured surface and divide it into three equal portions.
8. Roll each portion into long ropes, about 16 inches in length. Pinch the ends of the ropes together and braid them, tucking the ends underneath.
9. Place the braided challah on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with the kitchen towel and let it rise for an additional 30-60 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg and brush it over the top of the challah to create a shiny glaze.
11. Optional: For a touch of sweetness and crunch, sprinkle some granulated sugar or sesame seeds over the egg-washed challah.
12. Bake the challah for 30-35 minutes or until it turns golden brown. You can check the doneness by tapping the bottom of the loaf – it should sound hollow.
13. Once baked, remove the challah from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips:
– If you prefer your challah to be less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe.
– For a variation, you can add other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots instead of raisins.
– Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes for your challah. You can create a round challah by rolling the dough into a circle and coiling it. You can also make individual challah rolls for a fun twist.
– If you want to make your challah ahead of time, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then continue with the braiding and rising steps.
Why You’ll Love this Challah with Raisins Recipe:
1. Soft and Fluffy Texture: Challah is known for its pillowy softness, and this recipe delivers just that. The addition of raisins adds a delightful chewiness to each bite.
2. Sweet and Flavorful: The natural sweetness of the raisins complements the slightly sweet dough, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
3. Beginner-Friendly: This recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any advanced baking skills. It’s a great way to start your bread-baking journey.
4. Versatile: Challah with raisins is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. It’s great by itself, toasted with butter or jam, or even used for French toast.
5. Impressive Presentation: The braided challah loaf is not only delicious but also visually stunning. It’s a beautiful centerpiece for any gathering or holiday table.
Get Creative with Your Challah with Raisins:
1. Cinnamon Swirl Challah: Add a touch of warm cinnamon to your challah by sprinkling a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the flattened dough before rolling it up.
2. Chocolate Chip Challah: For all the chocolate lovers out there, sprinkle some chocolate chips over the dough instead of raisins for a decadent twist.
3. Nutty Delight Challah: Amp up the texture and flavor by adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the dough along with the raisins.
4. Almond Glaze: Once your challah is baked and cooled, drizzle a sweet almond glaze made with powdered sugar and almond extract over the top for an extra touch of indulgence.
Conclusion:
There’s something undeniably comforting about homemade bread, and this challah with raisins recipe takes that comfort to a whole new level. The soft and fluffy texture combined with the natural sweetness of raisins creates a delightful treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy on a cozy afternoon, this challah will not disappoint. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade challah with raisins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need to make challah with raisins?
To make challah with raisins, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup warm water
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup raisins
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content which can result in a slightly chewier texture in your challah.
How do I make the dough rise properly?
To ensure your dough rises properly, follow these steps:
- Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water along with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture, flour, sugar, salt, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Can I use a bread machine to make this challah?
Yes, you can use a bread machine to make the challah dough. Simply add the ingredients to the bread machine according to its instructions, select the dough setting, and let the machine do the mixing and kneading for you. Once the dough is ready, you can shape it, let it rise, and bake it as instructed in the recipe.
How should I store the challah once it’s baked?
Once the challah is baked and cooled, it’s best to store it in an airtight container or a plastic bag at room temperature. This will help maintain its freshness for up to 3-4 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can also freeze the challah. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the challah with raisins recipe offers a delightful twist to the traditional bread. The addition of raisins adds a subtle sweetness to the dough, creating a perfect blend of flavors. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply enjoy a homemade treat, this recipe is a must-try. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow, even for novice bakers. So, if you’re craving a delicious, soft, and slightly sweet bread, look no further than the challah with raisins recipe.
