Ingredients:

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4.5 cups bread flour
  • 1 large egg for egg wash
  • 1 tbsp water for egg wash
  • 1 pinch salt for egg wash
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

  1. Whisk warm water (105-115°F) and honey together, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  2. Mix in the vegetable oil and eggs until smooth. Gradually stir in the bread flour and salt.
  3. Knead the dough on medium-low for 5-7 minutes until it is tacky to the touch but pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for roughly 90 minutes until doubled in size.
  5. Punch the dough down to release air. Divide into 3 or 6 equal pieces and roll them into long ropes.
  6. Weave the ropes into a braid, leaving it slightly loose. Place the braid on parchment paper and let it rise for another 45 minutes.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk together the egg wash ingredients and brush the loaf generously, then top with sesame seeds.
  8. Bake for 30 minutes until the crust is mahogany-colored and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.