OLIVE OIL-FRIED CROUTONS

Olive Oil-Fried Croutons image

Number Of Ingredients 3

2 cup Rustic country bread to yield about 2 cups of 1/2-inch bread cubes, 1/3 cup EVOO, salt and pepper.
1/3 cup EVOO
1/2 teaspoon Salt

Steps:

To make about 2 cups of croutons, tear or cut enough rustic country bread to yield about 2 cups of 1/2-inch bread cubes. Heat 1/3 inch extra-virgin olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. When you see the oil ripple and bubble, add 1 cube. If it's hot enough, then oil will bubble up around the cube's edges. When it does, add the rest of your bread in a single layer. Fry undisturbed until the pieces are lightly golden on the bottom (30 seconds to a minute, depending on the moisture content of your bread), then turn the cubes with tongs and continue frying them until just lightly golden, a minute or so more. (Be careful not to over-fry your croutons-you're going for crispy on the outside with a tender bite, not crunchy and crusty). Transfer cubes to paper towels to drain, seasoning with salt and pepper while warm.