I have a special treat for you: a sprouted wheat challah recipe from one of our readers, Chava Dumas!
Here it is, in Chava’s own words:
These humble healthy challahs look so heimish to appear alongside Tamar’s elegant professional looking challahs, but indeed they have an incredible taste from the sprouted wheat kernels.
When I first started making them, my kids said, “Wow, Imma what did you put in these challahs?” And you know, coming from kids (teenagers!) this is a BIG TIME compliment!
Sprouted wheat– Challah made from the flour of ground sprouted wheat has the extra benefits of greatly increased nutritional value, plus the germination of starch into easier to digest natural sugars. An amazing special flavor!
Challah topping– Decorated with a combination of different colored seed toppings, these challahs can remind us of the manna we received for forty years in the wilderness after we were liberated from Egypt.
This is our “Dumas family” recipe!
Sprouted Whole Wheat Challah
Ingredients
4 cups warm water (or more)
2 tablespoons dry yeast
¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon sea salt
12 cups (~1.5 kilo) sprouted whole wheat flour (or sprouted spelt flour)
Directions
Combine warm water, honey and yeast.
Add flour, one cup at a time until dough is soft and springy. Begin to knead until dough does not stick to your fingers, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Place dough in a large bowl, cover with a cloth. Let it rise for about 1 or 2 hours, until doubled.
Punch down, knead again.
Divide into balls to roll into ropes for braiding.
Place in oiled bread pans (or use baking paper). Let rise for about 45 minutes.
Brush with whisked egg. Sprinkle with a variety of toppings: white and black sesame seeds, flax, sunflower, pumpkin, or chopped almonds.
Bake in a pre-heated over 350 F. (175 C) for about 30 minutes.
This recipe makes approximately four loaves the size of what you see in the photo below.
Chava Dumas is an educator, certified doula, women’s health advocate and cancer support counselor. Read more special tips in her life-changing book Prepare for Pesach B’simchah! 40 Lifesaving Lessons to Help you Make it to the Finish Line a book that helps everyone celebrate the gift of life every day!
