Classic Challah — Jewish Food Society

Ingredients

• 1 ⅔ cups (400 grams) cool room-temperature water
• 1 tablespoon plus 1¾ teaspoons (15 grams) active dry yeast or 3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons (40 grams) fresh yeast
• 7 cups (1 kilo) all-purpose flour, plus extra for shaping
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) fine salt
• 5 tablespoons (75 grams) sunflower oil or canola oil or unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• pinch of fine salt
• ⅔ cup (90 grams) nigella, poppy, or sesame seeds (or a combination)