When you are ready to make fried breadcrumbs, put your stale bread in a plastic or cloth bag and smash it with a blunt object until it’s reduced to coarse breadcrumbs. Alternatively, you can smash it in a large mortar and pestle.
To make one cup of fried breadcrumbs, transfer a cup of the breadcrumbs to a pan over low heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil or oil from an anchovy tin, a jar of sun-dried tomatoes, or any leftover oil (but not used fried oil).
Stir occasionally and watchfully for about 10 minutes, or until crumbs are golden brown.
