Step 1

Combine yeast ingredients (1.5 tbsp yeast;1 cup warm milk;1 tsp sugar) in a cup and leave it to sit for a couple of minutes.

Step 2

In the meantime, place flour and salt in a mixing bowl and mix together.

Step 3

Add yeast mixture to flour mixture.

Step 4

Add 1 cup warm milk and oil and continue mixing.

Step 5

Dough needs to be firm so if you find the dough appears sticky, add more flour to firm up the dough.

Step 6

Mix for 5-10 minutes.

Step 7

Remove from bowl and knead by hand for 2-3 minutes on a floured surface.

Step 8

Leave for 1 hour covered with a paper towel.

Step 9

Knead again for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 10

Leave for ½ hour covered with a paper towel.

Step 11

When double the size, divide dough into 6 parts for making two loaves in a 9x13 pan.

Step 12

Lengthen the dough to about 40cm long.

Step 13

Work 3 strands and braid the dough loosely together to form one loaf. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Step 14

Place in a parchment lined pan greased lightly with oil. Separate the two loaves down the center with parchment paper. Grease the loaves on all sides.

Step 15

Brush on one beaten egg with 1 tbsp water.

Step 16

Optional - add sesame seeds over the loaf after brushing on the egg mixture.

Step 17

Add 2-3 cups of water in an oven-safe dish and place inside oven on a separate rack. This will give the bread a shiny appearance.

Step 18

Bake at 385F for 30 minutes. Loaves should be golden colored on to the top.