Ingredients

The following ingredients have 20 Servings
  • For the dough:
  • 3/4 cup  lukewarm water
  • 3/4 cup leftover pickle juice, warmed to lukewarm temperature
  • 1 ½ Tbsp yeast
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • 5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ Tbsp salt
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ Tbsp jarred, chopped garlic (fresh is fine too)
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • 2 eggs
  • For the top:
  • 1 egg + 1 egg yolk + 1 tsp water
  • 1 Tbsp dried, minced garlic pieces
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp thick sea salt

Instruction

  • In a small bowl place yeast, 1 tsp sugar, lukewarm water and lukewarm pickle juice. Allow to sit around 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy on top.
  • In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour and salt. After the water-yeast mixture has become foamy, add to flour mixture along with oil, jarred garlic and dill. Mix thoroughly.
  • Add another 1 ½ cups of flour and 2 eggs until smooth. Switch to the dough hook attachment if you are using a stand mixer.
  • Add another 1 cup of flour and then remove from bowl and place on a floured surface. Knead remaining 1 cup of flour into dough until it is firm and elastic. It should bounce back slightly when you poke it.
  • Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with damp towel. Allow to rise 3-4 hours.
  • Remove dough from bowl and divide into two. Braid each section into desired shape challah. (Makes two medium-large challah loaves).
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until just golden on top and challah feels light and hollow.