Sesame Seed Challah (Egyptian Holiday Bread)

• (1/4 ounce) packages dry yeast↗2
• water, plus more↗3⁄4 cup
• sugar↗2 tablespoons
• flour, plus more↗3 1⁄2 - 4 1⁄2 cups
• salt↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• eggs↗3
• sesame seeds↗1⁄4 cup

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Combine yeast with water and pinch of sugar and set aside.

2. 2

   Combine flour, remaining sugar, salt and 2 eggs in large mixing bowl.

3. 3

   Add yeast mixture and mix well.

4. 4

   Dough will be moist and sticky.

5. 5

   Knead until dough is smooth, about 10 minutes, adding flour or water as needed.

6. 6

   Dough should still be moist.

7. 7

   Return to bowl, sprinkle dough with flour, cover with towel and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

8. 8

   Divide dough in half, place each half on lightly floured board and lightly knead into round loaves.

9. 9

   Place on greased baking sheet, leaving space between loaves, as they will rise and expand when baking.

10. 10

    Beat remaining egg.

11. 11

    Brush loaves with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

12. 12

    Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown and completely baked inside, 20 to 30 minutes.