Toasted Breadcrumbs Recipes

ORECCHIETTE WITH TOASTED BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• In a large pot, bring to a boil 6 quarts of salted water. Cook pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a medium-sized saute pan, heat the oil until warm. Since the bread crumbs will cook quickly, you don't want to add them into a hot pan, otherwise they can burn. Add the breadcrumbs and stir constantly. Season lightly with salt and pepper since flavored bread crumbs may already have seasoning. Saute for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Drain pasta in a colander. Working quickly, add pasta to the saute pan and stir to combine. Add Parmesan and the chopped prosciutto. Mix thoroughly. Pour into large serving bowl and garnish with chopped parsley.

SPAGHETTI WITH TOASTED GARLIC BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water (1-1/2 tsp), until AL DENTE.
• Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
• Gently heat 3 Tbsp. of olive oil in a large, heavy frying pan over medium (do not burn).
• Add the onion and garlic. cooking until fragrant, about a minute or two (do not burn).
• Mix in another 1/2 tsp. salt and the oregano, black pepper, and red chili pepper flakes.
• Remove from the heat and set aside.
• In the same frying pan, add the remaining olive oil and butter and gently heat on medium.
• Add the breadcrumbs and cook until toasted golden brown and fragrant, stirring frequently so they do not burn, about 2 - 3 minutes.
• Turn off the stove burner.
• Mix into the toasted breadcrumbs: the sauteed garlic, onion, oregano, chili pepper, salt and pepper mixture.
• Mix in the parmesan cheese.
• When the pasta is finished cooking, toss the pasta into the frying pan with the breadcrumb mixture gently tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
• Add some reserved pasta water OR olive oil if needed to loosen the pasta, adding about 1/4 cup at a time until your preferred consistency is achieved (I used a whole cup of the reserved pasta water and another 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
• Transfer to a large pasta platter and garnish with basil leaves and shaved Parmesan cheese.
• Offer basil pesto to guests to add to their pasta if desired.

TOASTED BREAD CRUMBS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Spread crumbs in a shallow baking pan and bake in middle of oven, stirring occasionally, until golden, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer crumbs to a bowl, then drizzle with oil and season with sea salt. Stir until crumbs are coated.

TOASTED BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
• Using tongs, place bread slices directly on oven racks. Leave in oven until hard and golden brown, about 30 minutes; darker if you prefer. Remove and cool on wire rack.
• Crumble slices into a large bowl until reduced to fine crumbs, or place in bowl of food processor and process until fine.