Challah bread is a timeless favorite in many households, celebrated for its soft texture and slightly sweet taste. Traditionally made with eggs, it’s often served during holidays, special occasions, or as a comforting snack. But what happens when you add a vibrant twist to this beloved bread? You get Challah Bread with Turmeric & Black Sesame Seeds. The turmeric infuses the bread with a warm, golden hue, while black sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. This recipe is sure to turn heads and impress your guests with its unique color and flavors.
Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for any baking enthusiast who wants to try something new with a classic favorite.
What is Challah Bread with Turmeric & Black Sesame Seeds?
Challah is a sweet, soft, and slightly enriched bread traditionally braided into beautiful loaves. It’s a staple in Jewish culture, particularly for Sabbath and holiday meals. This recipe gives the traditional challah an upgrade by incorporating ground turmeric, which not only gives it a stunning golden color but also adds an earthy, aromatic depth to the flavor. The black sesame seeds provide a crunchy contrast, with their mild yet nutty flavor, which enhances the overall experience of this bread.
With its slightly sweet, slightly savory taste and its show-stopping appearance, Challah Bread with Turmeric & Black Sesame Seeds is perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or any occasion where you want to impress. You can serve it simply with butter, honey, or even turn it into decadent French toast for an indulgent treat.
The Origin of Challah Bread
Challah has deep cultural roots, originating from Jewish traditions. The word “challah” is Hebrew, referring to the portion of dough traditionally set aside for the priests when baking bread in ancient times. The dough was usually braided and baked in loaves, symbolizing various aspects of Jewish life, including the Sabbath and festivals like Rosh Hashanah.
While challah is primarily associated with Jewish culture, it’s enjoyed in many other parts of the world, often without religious significance. Over time, recipes for challah have evolved, incorporating various flavors and toppings, like seeds, nuts, or dried fruits. In this recipe, the addition of turmeric and black sesame seeds modernizes the bread while respecting the tradition of challah baking.
Ingredients for Challah Bread with Turmeric & Black Sesame Seeds
For the Dough:
- 500g strong white bread flour
- 7g fast-action dried yeast
- 2 tsp fine salt
- 50g light brown sugar
- 160ml warm water
- 50ml vegetable oil
- 1 large egg (plus 1 more for egg wash)
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
For the Topping:
- 1 egg mixed with 1 tsp milk (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt
Step-by-Step Directions & Preparation Method
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir gently, then let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This process activates the yeast, ensuring that your bread will rise beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, turmeric, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, vegetable oil, and 1 egg. Stir everything together until it forms a shaggy dough. At this point, the dough will look rough, but that’s perfectly normal.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead by hand or using a stand mixer for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. If you’re kneading by hand, make sure to work the dough vigorously to build up gluten, which will give the bread its soft texture.
Step 4: First Rise
Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size. The warm temperature helps the yeast to do its magic, making the dough rise perfectly.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 3 equal parts. Roll each portion into a long rope, about the same length. Then, loosely braid the three ropes together, creating a beautiful loaf. Tuck the ends of the dough underneath to give the loaf a neat shape.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the braided loaf on a greased baking tray. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes, until it has puffed up.
Step 7: Bake the Loaf
While the loaf is undergoing its second rise, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Once the dough has risen, brush it with the egg wash (1 egg mixed with 1 tsp of milk). This will give the bread a golden, glossy finish. Sprinkle the top of the loaf with black sesame seeds and flaky sea salt for extra texture and flavor.
Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The aroma will be irresistible!
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Once baked, remove the challah from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing. This bread is perfect with butter, jam, honey, or even as a base for French toast.
Variations of Challah Bread with Turmeric & Black Sesame Seeds
While the classic version of this bread is simply irresistible, here are a few fun variations to try:
- Sweet Challah with Dried Fruits: Add a handful of dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, or cranberries into the dough before shaping it. The sweetness complements the earthy turmeric flavor beautifully.
- Challah with Seeds & Nuts: Incorporate other seeds, such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, into the dough for extra texture. You can even sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top for a crunchy finish.
- Cinnamon Swirl Challah: For a warm, spicy twist, add ground cinnamon to the dough and swirl it into the loaf before braiding. This variation pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea.
FAQs about Challah Bread with Turmeric & Black Sesame Seeds
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before. After kneading, place it in an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, take it out of the fridge, allow it to come to room temperature, and proceed with the shaping and rising steps.
Q2: Can I freeze the challah bread?
Absolutely. After baking, let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw and warm it in the oven.
Q3: What if I don’t have black sesame seeds?
If you don’t have black sesame seeds, feel free to use white sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even flaxseeds as a topping.
Q4: Can I substitute turmeric for something else?
While turmeric gives the bread its distinctive golden color and earthy flavor, you can experiment with saffron or curry powder if you prefer different flavors. However, the taste might be slightly different.
Conclusion
Challah Bread with Turmeric & Black Sesame Seeds is a delightful twist on the classic challah that brings together rich tradition and modern flavors. The golden hue from the turmeric and the nutty crunch from the black sesame seeds make it a standout addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a special event, enjoying it at brunch, or simply indulging in a slice with butter, this bread is sure to impress.
Try this recipe today, and enjoy the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked challah with a beautiful, flavorful twist. Happy baking!
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Challah Bread with Turmeric & Black Sesame Seeds: A Golden Twist on a Classic
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes rising time)
- Yield: 1 large loaf (8–10 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Challah is a sweet, soft, and slightly enriched bread traditionally braided into beautiful loaves. It’s a staple in Jewish culture, particularly for Sabbath and holiday meals. This recipe gives the traditional challah an upgrade by incorporating ground turmeric, which not only gives it a stunning golden color but also adds an earthy, aromatic depth to the flavor. The black sesame seeds provide a crunchy contrast, with their mild yet nutty flavor, which enhances the overall experience of this bread.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 500g strong white bread flour
- 7g fast-action dried yeast
- 2 tsp fine salt
- 50g light brown sugar
- 160ml warm water
- 50ml vegetable oil
- 1 large egg (plus 1 more for egg wash)
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
For Topping:
- 1 egg mixed with 1 tsp milk (egg wash)
- 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast Mix yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make Dough In a large bowl, combine flour, turmeric, and salt. Add yeast mixture, oil, and egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Knead by hand or mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky.
- First Rise Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Shape Divide dough into 3 equal parts. Roll into ropes and braid loosely. Tuck ends under.
- Second Rise Place braided loaf on a greased baking tray. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
- Bake Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Brush loaf with egg wash, sprinkle black sesame seeds and sea salt. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden.
- Cool & Serve Let cool on a wire rack. Slice and enjoy with butter, honey, or as the base for decadent French toast.
Notes
Golden and fragrant, this challah with turmeric and black sesame seeds is not only visually striking but also full of earthy flavor. It’s perfect for elevating your dinner table, enjoying with spreads, or simply savoring warm with butter. The hint of turmeric gives it a nourishing twist, while the sesame adds a nutty crunch
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish / Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 loaf)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: Low
Keywords: Turmeric Challah, Black Sesame Seed Bread, Golden Challah, Challah with Turmeric, Sesame Seed Challah
