Make your own breadcrumbs and save money with stale bread
Not wasting food was a common practice in our grandmothers' kitchens. One technique involved drying slightly stale bread rolls on the radiator to make homemade bread crumbs. Those who are familiar with this method won't be surprised to see bread on the heater and a grater nearby. So, what should you keep in mind when preparing a bread crumbs recipe?
When it comes to bread crumbs, it's not worth taking shortcuts and paying extra for the store-bought product. Often, these contain a mix of crumbs from the entire bakery, including puffed bread or remnants of various sweet pastries. Not to mention, they might include unnecessary and harmful additives to stale bread. By making bread crumbs at home, you can have full control over their composition.
Why is it worth preparing homemade bread crumbs?
Savings and eco-friendliness go hand in hand when you decide to make homemade bread crumbs. Often, bread left in our homes becomes too stale to eat directly after a few days. Instead of discarding it, you can transform it into a useful culinary ingredient. The choice of bread is crucial here—the best option is bread with a simple composition. The methods of drying and grating are also key.
Homemade bread crumbs - practical tips
Although rolls might not look very attractive, they are an excellent base for making a breadcrumb coating for croquettes or an essential addition when breaded fried carp appears on the holiday table. When you have bread that's stale but without any signs of mold, it's a signal that it's time for homemade bread crumbs. They will dry completely on the radiator, making it easier to transform them into the desired product.
- Keep stale rolls in a paper bag and then place them on the radiator.
- Grate rolls using a fine grater. A food processor recommended by some is not ideal because it can grind dry bread into powder, which doesn't work well for breading.
- Additionally, sift the grated bread through a sieve to catch larger pieces that may fall off during breading.
- Use immediately or transfer to a jar, seal it tightly, and store it in the kitchen cupboard. Sealed this way, bread crumbs can be stored for several weeks.
