Charred-Bread Powder

From the kitchen of Carly

Toasted stale bread meets charred chiles in a spice mill, transforming into a smoky, umami-packed powder. Sprinkle it on soups, roasted vegetables, or finished dishes for depth and subtle heat that tastes nothing like bread.

Prep
n/a
Cook
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Total
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Servings
4
Difficulty
medium

Ingredients

4 servings

  • 1Dried chiles de árbol or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 14 ounces torn stale crusty country-style bread

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200°.

  2. Heat a dry medium ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Toast 2 dried chiles de árbol or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes and 4 ounces torn stale crusty country-style bread, stirring occasionally, until bread is charred in spots, 6–8 minutes.

  3. Transfer pan to oven and bake until bread is dry and crisp, 1–1 1/2 hours.

  4. Working in batches, grind chiles and bread in a spice mill to a fine powder.