Breadcrumbs might seem like a very simple ingredient but it plays a very important role in the preparation of a lot of dishes. It adds a lot of texture, flavour and crunch to several dishes. Bread crumbs are used as a topping and also to coat different food items like kebabs, burgers, momos and whatnot. Breadcrumbs enhance moisture absorption more and also help in creating a very crispy exterior from the outside. At the same time, the food inside remains extremely moist and soft.
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Although breadcrumbs in their conventional form are quite indulgent already, there is still some room for adding a bit more flavour. Generally, the taste of breadcrumbs is not that enhanced, which is why adding some intriguing flavours can be a great idea to make dishes even more flavourful. Here are some simple ways to enhance the flavours of bread crumbs by using some common ingredients.
Also Read: 5 Hacks To Make The Best Breadcrumbs At Home
* Citrus Fruits
This might sound crazy but adding some citrusy fruits or juice of these fruits to breadcrumbs is going to be a delightful experience. This is perfect for people who like citrusy fruits and wouldn't mind a hint of sweet-and-sour flavours in their food. One has to simply take some peels of oranges, and lines on lemons and add them to the bread crumbs. One can also choose to add some juice from the citrusy fruits, but make sure that the mixture doesn't get too moist. These fruits will give a very zesty flavour to the bread crumbs and also give out a beautiful aroma.
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* Herbs
A very safe option that can add an array of flavours to breadcrumbs is using some herbs. Herbs and spices are the simplest way to add flavour to something mundane on its own. Some of the safest herbs that one can use are oregano, chilli flakes, basil, Rosemary and thyme. These herbs are already present in most Italian food, which is why the taste buds of most people are amiable with these herbs. This will instantly amp up the regular dishes and still won't give a flavour that is out of the ordinary and uncomfortable. It is the safest way to upgrade normal breadcrumbs and one can never go wrong with this.
* Vegetables
Adding vegetables is an easy way of adding nutrient value and also making a dish more flavourful and healthy. One can give a brand-new form to regular bread crumbs by mixing them with some sun-dried vegetables. After sun-drying the vegetables in a blender, the bread crumbs must be mixed with the vegetables. This will create a mixture of breadcrumbs and sun-dried vegetables, which is not only tasty but also more nutritious than the regular form. Some of the most common vegetables that are used as companions with bread crumbs include tomatoes, mushrooms and peppers. These can instantly elevate the flavour of normal dishes and make them taste so different.
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* Nuts And Seeds
Nuts and seeds can be a great addition to soups as they are crunchy and nutritious. The combination of bread crumbs and dry nuts and seeds makes a very crunchy and delicious mixture. Nuts and seeds have a special taste of their own, and when combined with bread crumbs, they make a multipurpose union that can be used for a variety of purposes. One must first roast the nuts before blending them with breadcrumbs. The nutritional value of seeds and nuts transports into the mixture and makes a particular dish more nourishing as compared to the regular version. This mixture can be added to soups, gravies, curries, and even used to coat cutlets and burgers.
* Cheese
Cheese is not a surprising ingredient on this list as cheese goes well with a rather dry texture of breadcrumbs. The combination of cheese and bread crumbs is quintessential in the cooking industry. By adding some grated cheese to the bread crumbs, one can instantly change the way a dish is going to taste. Some of the most accurate types of cheese that can be used for this purpose include parmesan, mozzarella and cheddar. One must be very careful while mixing grated cheese with bread crumbs. The creamy texture of cheese and the crispiness of breadcrumbs complement each other perfectly well. This combination works extremely well for dishes that are dry on their own as cheese helps in combating the dryness.
These are some of the simple ways to enhance the flavour of breadcrumbs. Eating the same dishes with the same ingredients can become boring over time. This is why it is important to keep on introducing new flavours and cooking techniques to keep eating the same dishes without getting bored with them.