Migas Extremeñas (Spanish Fried Breadcrumbs with Chorizo and Garlic)
Migas Extremeñas is a traditional Spanish dish made with fried breadcrumbs, chorizo, and garlic. It’s a hearty meal perfect for using up stale bread and can be enjoyed for breakfast or lunch. This recipe brings a taste of Spain into your home kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Sprinkle the stale bread pieces with the water, toss, cover with a cloth, and rest for 30 minutes so they soften without becoming soggy.
- 2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- 3
Add the diced chorizo to the skillet and cook until it starts to release its oils and becomes crispy, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Add the crushed garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, then keep them in the pan.
- 5
Stir in the smoked paprika, then add the stale bread pieces to the skillet.
- 6
Add the moistened bread and work it continuously with a wooden spoon for 15-20 minutes, breaking it into small, loose crumbs that become crisp outside but tender within.
- 7
Season the migas with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Cook notes
Tips
Use slightly stale bread for the best texture; if your bread is fresh, leave it out to dry for a few hours.
For a spicier dish, use a spicy chorizo sausage.
Serve immediately while still warm for the best flavor.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil to restore some moisture.
- Do not freeze, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Substitutions
- You can use any type of sausage if chorizo is unavailable, although the flavor will differ.
- If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used, but it won't have the same depth of flavor.
What to Serve With
- Fried eggs
- Simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Common Mistakes
- Cooking the garlic too long can make it bitter; add it after the chorizo has started to cook.
- Not stirring the bread enough can lead to uneven crispness; toss it regularly in the pan.
- Using too much oil can make the migas greasy; use just enough to coat the bread.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Yes, you can use fresh bread, but it's best to leave it out for a few hours to dry out a bit before using it.
What can I serve with Migas Extremeñas?
Migas Extremeñas can be served with fried eggs or a simple green salad.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
While Migas Extremeñas are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them in a skillet.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Skillet
Useful for browning, quick sautes, and weeknight one-pan cooking.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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