Spicy croutons or Kubeti

Spicy Croutons or Kubeti – A Crunchy Treat for Any Meal

Spicy croutons, also known as Kubeti, are an excellent way to transform stale bread into a delicious snack or a perfect accompaniment for soups and salads. These crunchy, flavorful cubes not only reduce food waste but also add a delightful texture and taste to your dishes. Let’s discover together how you can prepare these spicy croutons, step by step!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 4-5 slices of stale bread (preferably 2 days old)
- 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of sweet or hot paprika (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the Bread
To achieve the most delicious croutons, make sure to use older bread that has had time to dry out. Fresh bread can become too soft during baking, so choose a good bread, like a baguette or rye bread. Cut the bread slices into small cubes, about 1 cm, to ensure even baking.

Step 2: Flavoring
In a large bowl, add the bread cubes and drizzle them with olive oil. Use your hands to mix well, ensuring that each cube is evenly coated with oil. This will help achieve a crunchy texture and a beautiful golden color.

Step 3: Seasoning
Add the paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder over the bread cubes. Mix again with your hands, making sure all the spices are evenly distributed. The flavors will intensify during baking, giving the croutons an irresistible taste.

Step 4: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the bread cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Ensure they are not overlapping so they bake evenly. Bake for about 15 minutes, stirring them 2-3 times during baking to prevent burning. Keep an eye on them, as they can brown quickly.

Step 5: Serving
Once the croutons are golden and crunchy, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. They are delicious served alongside creamy soups, such as pumpkin or tomato soup, but can also be enjoyed on their own as a perfect appetizer for a night with friends.

Helpful Tips:
- Instead of olive oil, you can experiment with avocado oil for a different flavor.
- Add fresh herbs like dill or basil for a fresh note.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika.

Nutritional Benefits:
Spicy croutons are a good source of complex carbohydrates, being made from whole grain bread, and olive oil provides healthy fats. By choosing your spices, you can customize each batch to suit your dietary preferences.

Pairings and Variations:
These spicy croutons pair wonderfully with a variety of soups, salads, or even as a topping for pizza. You can try serving them alongside a yogurt dip with dill or a melted cheese sauce for an even richer culinary experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use fresh bread for croutons?
It is recommended to use stale bread, as it will bake better and become crunchy.

2. How can I store spicy croutons?
Store the croutons in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay crunchy for a few days.

3. Can I modify the spices?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different spice combinations, such as cumin or chili powder for a spicier taste.

In conclusion, spicy croutons are a simple and quick recipe that adds flavor to any meal. With just a few basic ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, you can transform stale bread into a delicious and crunchy treat. Whether you choose to serve them as an appetizer or as a side dish, they are certainly a treat you don't want to miss!