Vegan Challah – wholegrain bread recipe

Vegan Wholegrain Challah Bread

Very easy and tasteful Israeli recipe; Makes three loaves of Challah

Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 25 minutes Rest time 3 hours Total Time 3 hours 35 minutes 

Ingredients

• 1 kg organic whole grain wheat flour/spelt flour
• 8 g Himalayan pink sea salt (1 tsp)
• Maple syrup (1 tbsp)
• 2 tbsp baker’s yeast
• 640 ml water (filtered, about 2.25 cups)
• 90 g olive oil (extra virgin)
• date syrup-optional 

Instructions

1. In a table mixer or a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, maple syrup and yeast. 
2. Add the water gradually and then the oil, and knead until the dough isn’t sticking to the sides of the bowl.
3. Cover the bowl with a towel. Let the dough rest for 2 hours in a warm place until it doubles its size.
4. Create the Challah bread: on a floured workspace, Knead gently to get out any large air bubbles, divide into three pieces and form from each a braid. 
5. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let the loaves of bread rise again for 40 minutes to 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius, and just before baking, brush the Challahs with date syrup or water (optional: spread on top sesame seeds or other seeds.)
7. Bake at 170 degrees Celsius for 30-35 minutes. Bake until the bread is golden brown on top. 
8. Enjoy! 🙂

Whole Grain flour is high in fibre and B vitamins:

Whole grains are considered a complete package of health benefits; this is because they contain three parts:

• The bran (the outer layer) is rich in fibre, B vitamins, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, antioxidants, and phytochemicals (components in plants that highly research for their health benefits).
• The germ (the core of the seed) is rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, B vitamins, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. 
• The endosperm (the interior layer) contains carbohydrates, protein, and small amounts of B vitamins and minerals.

Why is fibre so important?

• Dietary fibre is vital for a healthy digestive system and regular bowel movements. 
• When eating a fibre-rich diet, you will feel more satisfied with the meals and fuller for longer.
• A diet rich in fibre can improve cholesterol.
• A diet rich in fibre can balance blood sugar levels.
• Studies have shown that eating more fibre can help prevent diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and bowel cancer. The potential benefits of these findings suggest that the consumption of 2 to 3 servings per day (~45 g) of whole grains may be a justifiable public health goal.

Try my recipe for homemade Pesto:

My version of Pesto will provide you with a concentrated dosage of green leaves, rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins and a good source of healthy fatty acids from olive oil & walnuts.