Herby Fried Shallot and Bread Crumb Crunch

Preparation

1. In a food processor, pulse the bread until no pieces larger than a pea remain. Set aside.
2. Line 2 baking sheets with paper towels and set a fine-mesh strainer over a medium saucepan. Set aside.
3. Combine shallots and oil in a second medium saucepan or a wok, and place over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until shallots begin to bubble, about 2 minutes, then reduce heat to low. With the shallots constantly bubbling, continue frying. Stir regularly to ensure even cooking, until shallots turn pale golden brown, 24 to 28 minutes longer.
4. Quickly and carefully pour the shallots and the oil into the prepared strainer, draining the oil into the first saucepan. (The shallots will continue to carry over to a deep golden brown as they cool and crisp up.) Carefully spread out the shallots to cool onto one of the prepared trays and season lightly with salt. Set aside.
5. Reset the strainer over the now-empty pot and set aside. Place the saucepan with the strained oil over medium-high heat, and add a sage leaf to test the temperature. (Alternatively, use a thermometer to check that the oil is at 360 degrees.) When it sizzles, add the rest of the sage and the rosemary, and stir with a slotted spoon or spider. As soon as the bubbles subside, after 20 to 30 seconds, remove the herbs from the oil and spread them out onto the second baking sheet.
6. Add the bread crumbs to the oil and stir. Cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes, then quickly and carefully pour the bread crumbs and oil into the prepared strainer. Spread bread crumbs on the baking sheet beside the rosemary and sage. Season herbs and bread crumbs lightly with salt. Set aside and allow to cool.
7. To assemble, in a large bowl, toss together shallots, bread crumbs, crumbled fried herbs, parsley and thyme, and 3/4 teaspoon flaky salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• To work ahead, fry shallots, rosemary, sage and bread crumbs up to 1 day in advance. Do not season with salt, and wrap separately once completely cooled in airtight containers. Just before using, combine the ingredients, and add parsley, thyme and salt. 
• You can change up the herb combinations, or add dried chilies or nuts depending on the time of year. This recipe is endlessly adaptable and will add excitement and crunch to all kinds of dishes, whether soups or pasta, eggs or braises.