Migas, which translates to crumbs in English, varies widely across Spain, but the fundamental ingredient in all incarnations is fried bread. The recipe is easily adaptable, and was featured recently on Wild Gourmets in Spain. It’s a great way to use up leftover cottage loaves!
This is the traditional breakfast of the shepherds who tend the Manchega sheep in La Mancha, as it’s made from easily transportable ingredients. Here’s my take on it…
- chorizo sausage
- paprika, preferably smoked
- stale bread, torn into bite-sized chunks
- olive oil
- onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, sliced
- eggs
- Manchego, or other hard sheeps milk cheese
Note: the original recipe used Spanish chorizo, a smoked cured meat, similar to salami. I couldn’t find one that I liked, so I’ve gone for an Italian style chorizo, which is a fresh sausage that needs to be cooked before eating. Alternatively, you could use salami, bacon or a different fresh sausage.
1. Sprinkle the bread with a little water if it’s dry. Set aside.
2. In a large frypan, heat a good lug of olive oil and fry the onion and garlic, then add the chopped chorizo. Fry until the chorizo starts to cook and releases some of its oil. Add a little paprika – this adds a lovely colour and flavour to the dish and helps to compensate for the lack of paprika in non-Spanish chorizos.
3. Add the bread and fry until well coloured and crisp. Spoon out onto serving dishes. Top each plate with a fried egg and a few slices of cheese, then season with freshly ground black pepper. Very moreish!
Click here for a printable version of this recipe
My first thought: do I have time to get chorizos before breakfast tomorrow. That looks like a complete breakfast of champions (or bull fighters at least!)!
Lorraine, it’s very yummy! We usually have it for dinner – I’m not sure I could face it first thing in the morning! Those shepherds do a whole lot more work before breakfast than I do, I suspect. :D
It is hard to find the right chorizo, but it’s very addictive isn’t it? Oh how nice to come and visit a mature blog (hehe) and relax with your supper in front of me…
I love migas, love it, love it and I love your picture too :)
Jo, I’m loving your new blog! :)
This looks great! I’m easily sold on anything that includes fried bread!!