Challah bread

Directions

1. Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. ≈ 4 min
2. In a small bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of warm water with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Add the yeast and let it sit for 8 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy. ⏱ 8 min
3. Briefly mix the yeast mixture, then add it to the flour mixture. ≈ 4 min
4. Add the egg and the oil paint. ≈ 3 min
5. Add the remaining 1 cup of warm water and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic. ⏱ 10 min
6. Allow the dough to rise, covered, for two to four hours. ⏱ ≈ 1 hr
7. Divide the dough into four equal portions. ≈ 3 min
8. Take a piece and divide it into four equal parts. Roll each part between your hands to create a long string. ≈ 10 min
9. Bring the four strings together at one end, pressing them firmly together. ≈ 3 min
10. Place the braid on a sheet of aluminum foil or in a pan. ⏱ ≈ 7 min
11. Braid the braid on the left by passing it over two braids on the right, then replace it under a braid on the left. ≈ 3 min
12. Place the wire on the far right above two other wires on the left, then put it back under one of the wires on the right. ≈ 3 min
13. Repeat the last two steps until you reach the end of the strands. ≈ 3 min
14. Do the same with the other three sections. ≈ 3 min
15. Brush each bread with an egg mixture and sprinkle with sesame seeds. ≈ 4 min
16. Let it rise for two hours. ⏱ ≈ 1 hr
17. Bake in a preheated oven at 200 °C for 25 minutes. ⏱ 25 min