Crouton My Parade
Tomato-Garlic Stir-Fry with Spiced Crunch
30 minutes
Serves 4
SideMediterraneanDairy-freeNut-freeShellfish-freeSoy-free
Herb's take
Inspired by the spirit of Mediterranean meze, this side features juicy tomatoes and garlic sautéed till jammy, then crowned with crisp spiced croutons for maximum texture play. You’ll practice stovetop crisping and the fine art of balancing acid, salt, and spice.
Ingredients
Yield
4
Instructions
- 01In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- 02Gradually stir in the water and 2 tablespoons olive oil until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- 03Pinch off small, marble-sized pieces of dough and roll gently into rough balls, aim for about 3/4-inch each. You should get roughly 16 croutons.
- 04Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add dough pieces in a single layer and fry, turning occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until golden and crisp on all sides. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- 05Wipe out the skillet and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add garlic and cook over medium heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- 06Stir in chopped tomatoes, remaining 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until tomatoes break down and the mixture turns saucy, 8-10 minutes.
- 07Season tomato mixture with 3/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste) and white vinegar. Cook 1 more minute, then remove from heat.
- 08Transfer tomato-garlic mixture to a serving platter. Scatter hot croutons over the top just before serving for maximum crunch.
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