What is rusk?

rusk

It is a type of bread that is dried and toasted in the oven and turned on all sides until it acquires a golden color and a crunchy taste. Then it is left to cool and grinded either using a food processor or placed in a bowl and pounded with a mortar or ground using a grinding bag and pounded until it becomes smooth, then placed in an oven tray. It is roasted again until it can withstand moisture and is not damaged, then it is left to cool and stored in an airtight glass container.

Uses of rusk

Flavorings are added to the rusk, such as herbs, spices, and seasonings, to enhance its flavour. It is possible to add paprika or curry if the chicken is coated with it, or add cumin, oregano or rosemary to coat the meat, or add cheese powder and herbs to coat the vegetables, and add cumin and garlic powder to coat the fish. It is also possible to add oats or unflavored morning breakfast grains to increase the flavor. Its crunch and nutritional value after roasting and grinding.
Breadcrumbs are used to coat meat, chicken, and fish before grilling them in the oven or frying them to give the foods a delicious crunch and rich flavour, and to preserve their juices and keep them soft so they do not dry out during the grilling or frying process. Breadcrumbs are also used to coat vegetables before grilling them after cutting them into slices and then submerging them in it. It is also used in wrapping cheeses before frying them to increase their consistency and prevent them from melting. It is also used in types of minced meat to increase their consistency. It is also used in preparing mashed potato dishes to increase their consistency and give them strength. Breadcrumbs can also be placed on top of béchamel dishes to prevent them from burning.

How to use rusks

Place the breadcrumbs in a flat bowl, then bring the chicken, meat, or fish pieces, flip them over in the breadcrumbs bowl on both sides, and press lightly until the grains stick together well.
We put the pieces in the refrigerator for an hour to increase their consistency, then we take them out and they are ready for frying or frying. You can also use scrambled eggs and put the meat or chicken pieces in them before covering them with bread crumbs so that the pieces stick together easily.

Preparing rusks at home

Leftover pita bread, toast bread, or unsweetened qarshla cakes are used to prepare home-made rusks, where they are dried and then placed on an oven tray.
Preheat the oven well to between 200 and 250 degrees.
Brown and turn the bread until it is completely toasted, without burning. Take it out of the oven, then leave it to cool well.
Grind the bread until it is fine in a food processor, then sift it to get rid of the large pieces. After grinding it, it is placed again in the oven until it acquires double toasting and a strong crunch, taking care to stir it constantly so that it does not burn, and after cooling it.
Add any type of desired and preferred spices and herbs to the breadcrumbs, such as salt and black pepper, ground garlic and onions, or any type of spices such as curry or hot spices, in order to increase the flavor of the breadcrumbs.
It is stored in the refrigerator or in a tightly closed glass container, and remains at room temperature for five days because the mixture is free of any preservatives.

Notes

There is a type of sweetened rusk that is used to decorate sweets, ice cream, and creamy desserts. It is made by using biscuits or sweetened cakes, roasting and grinding them as in the previous method, and some flavors are added to it: cinnamon, anise, and cardamom.
In some cases where breadcrumbs are not available at home, it is possible to use regular flour, add spices to it, and wrap foods with it, or use wheat flour, as it gives a wonderful taste.
Breadcrumbs contain a high amount of carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. They give the body activity and strength. Breadcrumbs that are not ground, such as cakes and crumbs, are considered one of the most delicious foods for children when dipped in tea or milk.