Snacks
Garlic rye bread croutons
Garlic rye croutons are a much-loved Russian snack, served with beer, alongside borscht or simply with friends. They are crisp outside, slightly soft inside and packed with garlic and salt. They could not be easier: fry sticks of rye bread in oil and toss them with garlic while hot. Dense dark rye bread, such as Borodinsky with its coriander and malt flavour, works best, and day-old bread is even better than fresh because it cuts cleanly and crumbles less. One loaf makes a big plate for sharing.
Method
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Cut the crusts off the bread if they are very hard, or leave them on for extra crunch.
Slice the bread 1.5 cm thick, then cut into sticks 1.5 cm wide.
Peel the garlic. Crush half of it with the flat of a knife; finely grate the rest and mix it with 1 tablespoon of oil and the salt.
Heat the rest of the oil in a large frying pan with the crushed garlic for 1-2 minutes, then remove the garlic before it burns.
Add the bread in a single layer and fry over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, turning, until crisp on all sides.
Tip the hot croutons into a bowl, add the garlic paste and toss to coat evenly.
Drain on kitchen paper for 1-2 minutes and serve.
Tips for success
- Don't overcrowd the pan, or the bread steams instead of frying. Cook it in two batches.
- Add raw garlic to the hot croutons after frying so it stays fragrant and doesn't turn bitter.
- For less oil, spray the bread lightly and bake at 180°C for 10-12 minutes.
- Use flaky or coarse salt for extra crunch.
Serving and storage
Serve warm with beer, borscht, pea soup or a cheese or garlic dip.
Best eaten fresh. Keep cooled croutons in a paper bag for up to a day and crisp them in a dry pan before serving.
Variations
- Cheesy: sprinkle the hot croutons with 50 g of finely grated hard cheese.
- Spiced: add a pinch of paprika and dried dill to the garlic.
- Garlic toasts: fry whole slices of bread and rub them with a cut garlic clove.
Calories and macros
Per serving (about 93 g):
Per 100 g: 300 kcal, P 5.9, F 14.6, C 34.2. An estimate based on average ingredient values. Your daily calories ›
