CHALLAH BREAD

Step 1

In a large bowl or bowl of your stand mixer, combine; 1¾ cups lukewarm water, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Allow it to sit for 10 mins or until yeast bubbles and froths.

Step 2

Whisk, or use the whisk attachment for your mixer, and mix in vegan butter or oil, and 10 tbsp aquafaba, 3 tbsp at a time.

Whisk in ½ cup of sugar and 1 tbsp salt.

Step 3

Using your dough hook (or hands if you do not have a stand mixer) gradually add in flour 1 cup at a time, mixing between each addition, until the dough holds together.

Knead dough until smooth. If you are using a stand mixer, do this with your dough hook. If you are doing this by hand, do this on a floured work surface.

Step 4

Grease a large bowl with vegan butter or olive oil. Add dough, and cover with a wrap or damp dishcloth. Place in a warm place (I like to put it in my oven with the light on), and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it’s almost doubled in size.

After it’s doubled in size, punch down the dough, and cover again. Let rise for another half an hour.

This will make 2 loaves, so cut your dough in half. Next braid your Challah.

Step 5

To make a 6-braid challah:

Take half the dough and form it into 6 balls.

With your hands, roll each ball into a strand.

Place the 6 strands in a row, and pinch the tops of the strands together.

Then, follow my favorite video tutorial here: 

Then place a large baking mat on top of a baking sheet and grease the mat.

Place braided loaves on the greased baking mat with at least 2 inches in between.

To make a 3-braid Loaf:

Take half the dough and form it into 3 balls.

With your hands, roll each ball into a strand.

Place the 3 strands in a row, and pinch the tops of the strands together.

Braid as you would a hair in your hair. Tuck ends under the loaf.

Place braided loaves on a greased baking sheet with at least 2 inches in between.

Step 6

Brush both loaves with 3 tbsp aquafaba or more as needed to cover completely, and allow to rise for another hour.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375F.

Step 7

When ready to bake, brush loaves with additional aquafaba and then leave as is, or sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Bake on middle rack for 30-35 mins, or until golden brown, spin 180 degrees halfway through for even baking.

Cool loaves on a wire cooling rack.

Slice and Enjoy!

Original Recipe & Photo by The Edgy Veg