When one has leftover bread or cut-off bread edges, it is common practice to turn them into breadcrumbs. While different types of breadcrumbs are available for sale in the market, many of us make them at home. All you need to do is dry the bread pieces thoroughly and then grind until you reach the desired consistency. Breadcrumbs are widely used to coat different food items, especially before frying. But there's a lot more you can do with them. Here are some of the ways in which you can use breadcrumbs while cooking:
Also Read: Cooking Tips: 7 Easy Ways To Give Your Snacks A Crispy Coating
Here Are 5 Simple Uses Of Breadcrumbs That You Must Know About:
1. To bind snacks better
While making snacks like cutlets, croquettes and even burger patties, adding some breadcrumbs to the mixture can greatly help. Firstly, they have a binding property that can help keep the snack intact. Secondly, they can help absorb excess moisture from ingredients like paneer or juicy veggies. After adding breadcrumbs, you will realise that it is easier to shape the mixture as you wish into flattened circles, cylinders, ovals, etc. as required. To see this tip in action, click here for a recipe that uses it.
Also Read: 5 Deep Frying Hacks Every Novice Cook Must Keep In Mind
Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
2. To thicken soups
Did your soup turn out too watery for your liking? Want to thicken it without using cream or cornflour? Then breadcrumbs may just do the trick! Depending upon the coarseness of the breadcrumbs, you may or may not realise their presence. Use the most finely ground ones if you want a result closer to cornstarch. Either way, you are sure to make your soup more delicious by adding breadcrumbs.
3. To add some crunch to dishes
Add a layer of breadcrumbs on top of your mac and cheese. Photo Credit: Pexels
If you have slightly larger crumbs, use them to add some crunch to your salads, pasta, stir-fry dishes and other preparations. For salads, you can add them as they are. For baked pasta, it is best to add them before baking - sprinkle them on top and they will later form an irresistible crust. This technique is especially used while making mac and cheese. In other dishes too, you can experiment and enhance them with the use of coarse breadcrumbs.
4. To give a distinctive texture to chutneys
Now this is a secret tip that might surprise you. You can also use breadcrumbs to give your chutneys a unique consistency. The binding quality of breadcrumbs again comes into play here. We recommend trying this the next time you make hari (green) chutney. Let us know when you notice the difference!
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5. To get a crispy coating
Photo Credit: iStock
This is the classic way to use breadcrumbs - and an important one. Whether you're pan-frying or deep-frying food items, breadcrumbs are a quick, convenient and no-fuss method of giving them a crispy coating. You may or may not have to dip them in a slurry or egg wash before. Just follow the recipe instructions.
Also Read: Out Of Breadcrumbs? No Problem! 5 Wholesome Substitutes To Try Now
Do you have any breadcrumb hacks you'd like to share with us? Comment them down below.