Baked Croutons

Croutons in Marathi

Makes: 4 to 5 servings
Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:4 bread slices
2 tbsp Olive Oil
2-3 pinches of salt
1/2 tsp of Garlic powder (Optional)
1/2 tsp Italian Herbs blend (Dried)

Method:1) Brush little olive oil on each bread slice. Cut each bread slice into 12 small pieces. If you want little bigger sized croutons, then make 9 equal pieces.
2) Preheat oven at 300 F (150 C) for 7 minutes.
3) Spread bread pieces on a baking sheet. Make a single layer, sprinkle Italian Herbs, little salt and garlic powder. Pop in the oven for 15 minutes (until they become light brown and crispy). If croutons are not browning evenly on all sides, turn over after 10 minutes. Cool them on baking sheet.
Croutons can be added in Salads to give little crisp. They are great accompaniment to the soup.

Tips:1) Croutons can be prepared in the pan. Follow the first step from the above method. Sprinkle spices and salt. Then heat a wide skillet over low heat. Saute bread pieces until crispy and golden brown. Turn them over occasionally.
2) Butter can be used instead of olive oil. (If using salted butter, limit the amount of salt)
3) If you don't have garlic powder and Italian herbs like oregano, rosemary, etc that's okay. Plain croutons taste good too.
4) You can sprinkle some red chili flakes alongwith other spices.