Homemade Russian Rusk

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of bread (white or whole wheat) 1 loaf of bread (white or whole wheat)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried dill 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 27g, 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Slice the bread into 1-inch thick slices.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper.
4. 4.
   Brush both sides of each bread slice with the seasoned olive oil mixture.
5. 5.
   Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. 6.
   Remove the bread slices from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
7. 7.
   Once cooled, slice each bread slice into smaller pieces, about 1-inch wide.
8. 8.
   Arrange the sliced bread pieces on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rusks are dry and crispy.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bread — Choose a bread with a firm texture to ensure the rusks hold their shape during the baking process.
• Olive oil — Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor to the rusks, but you can use any neutral oil if preferred.
• Dried dill — Feel free to experiment with other dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano for different flavor variations.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the olive oil mixture.
• Store the rusks in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.
• Serve the Russian Rusks with your favorite dips, such as hummus or tzatziki, for a flavorful snack.

Serving advice

Serve the homemade Russian Rusks as a snack on their own or alongside soups, salads, or cheese platters. They can also be enjoyed with spreads like butter, cream cheese, or jam.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Russian Rusks on a platter or in a basket, allowing their golden color and crispy texture to be the highlight. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, for an appealing presentation.