Place all the ingredients for the dough in a large bowl and mix until it forms a smooth dough
Knead the dough by hand for about 8 minutes or with a dough hook on an electric mixer for 5 minutes
Cover the dough and leave to rise in a warm place for about 40 minutes
Knead the dough for one minute
Return to the bowl, cover and leave to rise for another 40 minutes

Knead the dough for one minute
Divide into 3 equal portions
Roll into three rope shapes about 20 cm long
Plait the ropes together
Pinch each of the ends together to close the loaf
Leave to rise for 20 minutes

Preheat the oven to 190 oC
Beat together the teaspoon of water and egg yolk
Brush over the bread
Sprinkle over the poppy seeds
Bake in the centre of the oven for 30 minutes