Time: 2 hours & 30 minutes.
INGREDIENTS:
4 cups of whole spelt flour (plus extra for dusting)
1/4 cup of honey or sugar
1/2 cup of warm water
2 teaspoons of dry yeast
2 large eggs (plus 1 for glazing)
1/4 cup of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of salt
*Sesame or poppy seeds for topping (optional)
Serves: 6 People
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the honey or sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
2.Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spelt flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture, 2 beaten eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough starts to form.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Spelt flour can be a bit more fragile than wheat, so handle it gently to avoid breaking down the gluten too much.
4. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Challah:
Punch down the dough gently and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into the desired number of strands for braiding (3 or 4 work well) and roll each piece into a rope.
Braid the ropes together, then transfer the braided loaf to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Second Rise:
Cover the braided loaf with the towel and let it rise again for about 30-60 minutes. It should puff up but may not double in size.
7. Preheat Oven and Glaze:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the top of the loaf. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if using.
8. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the challah is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool:
Remove the challah from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy at home over Pentecost or bring to a Pentecost service to share with others with some cheese, apples and honey!
