Crispy Mediterranean Bread Bites
Migas, these delightful crispy bread bites, draw inspiration from the Mediterranean region and make a perfect accompaniment to fried eggs. Whether you choose a rustic baguette or a country-style loaf, ensure the bread is at least 1 or 2 days old for optimal crispiness. While fried eggs and bread are delicious on their own, consider enhancing the dish with the addition of bacon, ham, or even chorizo for a burst of flavor.
Ingrediënten
PREPARE 8 TO 12 HOURS IN ADVANCE / Makes 4 Servings
- 1 loaf of day-old bread not too airy (e.g., Baguette or Country-Style Loaf)
- 2 tablespoons of small bacon cubes ¼ inch
- 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves 1 whole and 2 finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon of ground paprika
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons of small cubes ¼ inch of Serrano ham or prosciutto (about 1 ounce)
Instructies
- Begin by removing the crust from the loaf of bread, discarding it, and then tearing the bread into crouton-sized pieces by hand.
- Alternatively, you can cut it into cubes if you prefer.
- Place the bread pieces on a tray and dampen them by wetting your hand and shaking it over the bread.
- Repeat this process several times.
- Wrap the bread in a towel or foil and let it sit overnight.
- This allows the bread to absorb moisture, ensuring tenderness when fried.
- In a medium skillet over low heat, cook the bacon cubes until they turn translucent and release their fat.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel to drain, and set it aside.
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the whole garlic clove to the skillet.
- Increase the heat to medium and cook, stirring, until the garlic becomes well-browned, approximately 4 minutes.
- Remove and discard the garlic.
- Add the moistened bread to the skillet and stir to coat it with the oil.
- Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the bread turns crispy, but not browned, about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and onion, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the ham and the reserved bacon, cooking for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the crispy bread and stir to combine.
- If you prefer a slightly softer texture, you can drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil or a little water over the dish at this point.
- Serve the crispy Mediterranean bread bites while they're hot.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Enjoy your revamped Crispy Mediterranean Bread Bites!
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