Turmeric Tahini Challah (Jessica Ramos)

This article originally appeared on The Nosher.

I love playing with color, texture and shape with my challah. Looking to create a red challah? Add beetroot powder. Green? Try using green tea matcha powder. Do you want bread with a golden hue? Try turmeric mixed in with the dough.

This challah combines beautiful color with Middle Eastern flavors — the flavors and colors of different parts of the world meet in one delicious bread.

Turmeric Tahini Challah

Turmeric Tahini Challah

Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine Middle Eastern

Ingredients
  

  • 4-4 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 3 1/4 tsp. active dry or instant yeast
  • 2/3 cup warm water 90-100 degrees
  • 3 1/2 tbs. honey
  • 6 2/3 tbs. tahini
  • 1 1/2 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt

Instructions
 

  • Weigh 1 cup of flour and combine with yeast and warm water.
  • Let proof for 20-25 minutes until mixture begins to swell.
  • Whisk in honey, tahini, olive oil, eggs, turmeric, and the remaining flour plus salt.
  • Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest about 20 minutes at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for a cold overnight rise. The dough will only increase about one-third but will continue to develop and rise fully from its cold proof through remaining steps.
  • Remove from refrigerator the next day and allow about 30 minutes for the dough to begin to come back to room temperature before shaping.
  • Divide the dough into hunks, depending on your design plan. Let the dough rest, then roll out and braid. Allow the shaped dough to rise again for 1-1 1/2 hours at about 70 F.
  • Before you put the shaped dough in the oven, glaze it with egg wash and apply seeds. Bake at 350 F. for approximately 30 minutes.
You May Also Like
Gail Simmons’ Matzah Ball Soup Recipe Will Conjure Memories of Family Love
Gail Simmons' Matzah Ball Soup

For this Passover, why not try Grandma Snazzy's Soup? A comfort food powerhouse, it’s sure to nourish and invigorate you. 

Recipe: Roasted Vegetables with Balsamic and Feta Cheese
Roasted Vegetables with Balsamic and Feta Cheese

This recipe from Elite Jakob works with whatever veggies you have on hand. Make it colorful, and don’t forget the olives and feta cheese!

This Easy Balkan Vegetable Stew is Perfect for Shabbat
Balkan Vegetable Stew

Looking for a Shabbat dinner centerpiece or a hearty midweek meal? Ghiveci or guvech is a comforting, rustic dish.

Recipe: Spinach Pie
spinach pie

Who says hearty comfort food must be unhealthy? Try this delicious (and nutritious) spinach pie from local foodie Elite Jakob.