-
1
In a large bowl, beat the egg white with a large whisk until soft peaks form (or use an electric mixer). Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, and whisk until it is incorporated. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and whisk again until you have a soft, fluffy almost-mayonnaise-like mixture.
-
2
Cut the bread with a serrated knife into 1/2 to 3/4 inch cubes, and fold the cubes gently into the whipped egg and oil mixture with a rubber spatula until they are completely coated.
-
3
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
-
4
Coarsely grind the cumin seeds and mustard seeds in a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder. (This is where you get to bring out that seldom used mortar and pestle and look really professional.) You don't want a fine powder, just a crushed texture to release the volatile oils and flavors.
-
5
In a small bowl combine the crushed seeds with the remaining seeds and seasonings. Sprinkle this over the coated bread cubes and toss again gently until the seed mixture has coated the bread.
-
6
Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
-
7
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the croutons are starting to turn a toasty golden color at the edges and are crisp on the outside, though depending on how dry your bread was to start out with, some may still be a little chewy on the inside, and that is lovely, too.
-
8
Let cool completely in the pan, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, or in the freezer for several months to bring out whenever you want a bright crunchy pop of flavor on soups or salads. Or serve them as nibbles anytime!
-
9
*PLEASE NOTE: This is a duplicate recipe that I somehow accidentally submitted and cannot figure out how to delete. I only seem to be able to edit it. Please check out the other recipe with the same title entered into this contest. It has the pictures that go with it. Sorry about this.
