Herby Fried Shallot And Bread Crumb Crunch Recipes

FRIED SHALLOTS

Steps:

• Using a mandoline, slice the shallots into 1/16-​inch-​thick rounds. Line a rimmed baking sheet with 6 layers of paper towels. Set a fine-​mesh strainer over a large heatproof bowl or medium saucepan.
• Combine shallots and oil in a medium saucepan or wok. Place over medium-​high heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the shallots begin to bubble, 2 to 3 minutes. Continue cooking, stirring constantly as the shallots fry to ensure even cooking, until the shallots turn pale golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes longer. (The shallots will continue cooking for a brief period after draining, so do not allow them to get too dark.) Working quickly, pour the contents of the saucepan into the strainer. Save oil for another use, like stir-frying noodles or fried rice, or for using in marinades, or as the base of homemade chili oil.
• Immediately transfer the shallots to the prepared baking sheet, spread them out into an even layer, and season with salt. Allow the shallots to drain, then carefully lift the top layer of paper towels and roll the shallots onto the second layer, blotting gently with the first. Repeat until the shallots are on the last layer of paper towels and mostly grease-​free. Allow the shallots and oil to cool to room temperature, then store separately in airtight containers and refrigerate.

FRIED SAGE SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set aside.
• In a small bowl, combine the shallots and vinegar, and set aside for 15 minutes to soften. In a medium bowl, combine parsley, olive oil and a generous pinch of salt. Set aside.
• Pour the neutral oil into a medium saucepan and set over medium-high heat. After 2 minutes, add a sage leaf to test the temperature. (The oil should be around 360 degrees.) When the sage leaf sizzles, add the rest of the sage and stir with a slotted spoon or spider. As soon as the bubbles subside, after about 20 seconds, remove the herbs from the oil and spread them out onto the prepared baking sheet. Season lightly with salt. The sage will get crisp as it cools.
• Just before serving, use a slotted spoon to add the shallots (but not the vinegar, yet) to the parsley oil. Stir, taste and add salt and vinegar as needed to achieve a nice tang. Crumble and stir the sage into the salsa. The final sauce should be loose enough to drizzle from a spoon, so adjust with a little more oil if needed, then taste and adjust with salt and vinegar one last time before serving. Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. It makes an excellent accompaniment for Thanksgiving dishes, as well as any other roasted meats, vegetables or grilled fish.

CRISPY SHALLOTS AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Add the shallots and oil to a large saucepan. Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the oil bubbles intensely, about 7 minutes; turn heat to medium-low to maintain a spirited simmer. 6 minutes later, add the garlic. Cook, stirring often, and more frequently as it darkens, until the shallots turn from sticky to fluffy and medium golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes later.
• Strain, keeping the oil, and drain the shallots and garlic in one layer on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet. Season with salt, and let cool until crisp. Fried chips will hold in an airtight container for 3 days, or for 2 months in the refrigerator. The oil, which is great for dressings or drizzling, holds for 2 months in the refrigerator.