Spicy Croutons

Spicy croutons. Forget the classic version of homemade croutons. In this recipe, croutons are spiced and loaded with amazing flavors from unique spices and tempering. Start with basic crispy croutons, and season with tempered spices for ultimate flavor boost. Plus, these crispy goodies just take 15 minutes to prepare.

Spicy Croutons

This classic version of homemade croutons inspired by the Indian pavacha sheera comes together in a snap. All you need to do is simply season bread cubes with cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt and pepper. The tempered spices add another layer of flavor with the addition of mustard seeds, onions, green chilies, ground turmeric and curry leaves. Give this a quick stir fry, and add to the crispy croutons.Obviously, like classic croutons, they are a delicious addition to your favorite soups and salads. If you love crouton stuffing, why not make it using this spiced version of croutons?

Key Ingredients In Spiced Homemade Croutons

• Bread – Although I opted for sourdough in this recipe, feel free to choose your favorite. Cut the bread into small cubes so you’ll get crispy bites.
• Seasoning – Olive oil combined with cayenne pepper and garlic powder.
• Tempering – The ingredients for tempering include mustard seeds, onions, green chilies, ground turmeric and curry leaves.

How To Make Spicy Croutons

Bake croutons – Toss the cubed croutons in olive oil, cayenne pepper or red chili powder, and garlic powder. Cook until it gets a crisp texture and golden hue.

Add tempered spices – Tempering of spices consisting of mustard seeds, onions, green chilies, ground turmeric, and curry leaves make these croutons absolutely flavorful. Just a quick stir fry of these ingredients alongside a generous sprinkle of chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves and a splash of fresh lemon juice add a delicious touch to the croutons.

Yield: 4

Spicy Croutons

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Homemade spicy croutons to add to salads, soups, and holiday stuffing!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

Croutons:

• 1 loaf of bread (I used sourdough), preferably a day old, cut into 3/4 -inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tempering:

• 2 teaspoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 tablespoons chopped onions
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 sprig of curry leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves
• Juice from 1 small lemon

Instructions

Croutons:

1. Preheat oven to 190 C or 375 F. Line a large baking sheet with baking paper. 
2. Add bread cubes.
3. Drizzle with olive oil.
4. Add cayenne pepper and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss until well combined.
6. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer.
7. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until crisp and golden, turning once halfway through cooking.
8. Remove from oven. Set aside. 
9. Once cooled, store in an airtight container for up to a week, and add tempered spices just before serving.

Tempering:

1. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add mustard seeds, onions, green chilies, ground turmeric, and curry leaves.
3. Stir fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add croutons. Toss.
5. Stir in coriander (cilantro) leaves.
6. Squeeze in lemon juice.
7. Toss and heat through.

Notes

• Time - Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bread cubes.
• Seasoning - Try your favorite seasoning like Italian seasoning in this recipe.
• How to use croutons - Use them in salads, soups, and holiday stuffings.
• Make breadcrumbs - To make spiced breadcrumbs, use a food processor to process them into fine crumbs.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 601Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 0mgSodium 1019mgCarbohydrates 97gFiber 6gSugar 12gProtein 17g

The nutritional data is for information purposes only

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