Za’atar Challah Recipe

Topping:

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 large purple onion, finely diced

1/2 tsp sugar

Pinch of salt

Za’atar

1 egg and 1 Tbsp honey, beaten for egg wash

Warm the oil in a shallow fry pan over medium high heat. Add the onions and sauté for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the sugar and salt, stir well, then lower the heat. When onions are golden brown, remove from heat and set aside.

Dough: 

4 Tbsp active dry yeast

4 1/2 cups warm water

2 Tbsp sugar

5 lbs high gluten bread flour

1 cup sugar

2 Tbsp salt

3 large eggs

1¼ cup vegetable oil



In a large glass bowl, combine yeast, warm water and sugar, then cover with a towel and allow to proof for 10 minutes.

In an extra large bowl, sift the flour with the sugar and salt. Add the eggs and oil and mix to combine. Add the proofed yeast mixture to the dough and mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, gradually add a little flour.

Return the dough to the bowl and cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Set aside in a warm spot and allow to rise for 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Take a piece of challah the size of a golf ball and recite the blessing of Hafrashat Challah. Burn the challah by wrapping it in a piece of silver foil and placing in the oven.

Separate the dough into sections, placing caramelized onion into each strand. and braid into challah. Allow each challah to rise 15 minutes.

Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with za’atar and bake for about 45-55 minutes, until challah is golden brown. Allow challah to cool completely before storing.

Note: It is a mitzvah to make the blessing of Hafrashat Challah when baking a bread dough with 5 pounds of flour.

Transliteration: Baruch ata Adonai Elo-hainu Melech Ha’olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tziva’anu l’hafrish challah.

Translation: Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to separate challah.