Gujarati Masala French Toast
A savory and spiced twist on classic French toast, this Gujarati specialty, also known as Bombay Toast, features bread slices dipped in a flavorful egg and chickpea flour batter loaded with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, pan-fried to golden perfection. It's a quick, satisfying, and protein-rich meal perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty snack.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Masala Batter
- b.In a wide, shallow bowl, crack the 4 large eggs and whisk vigorously for 1 minute until they are light and frothy.
- c.Add 2 tbsp of besan (chickpea flour) and whisk again, breaking up any lumps to form a smooth paste.
- d.Gradually pour in 1/4 cup of milk while continuing to whisk to achieve a smooth, pourable batter consistency.
- e.Stir in all the spices: 0.25 tsp turmeric powder, 0.5 tsp red chili powder, 0.25 tsp garam masala, 0.125 tsp hing, 0.75 tsp salt, and the optional 0.5 tsp sugar. Mix until everything is well combined.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Incorporate Vegetables
- b.Add the finely chopped small onion, deseeded small tomato, 2 green chilies, and 2 tbsp of coriander leaves to the batter.
- c.Stir well to ensure the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Coat and Pan-Fry the Toast
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a non-stick skillet or tawa over medium heat.
- c.Take one slice of bread and dip it into the batter, allowing it to soak for about 10-15 seconds on each side. Ensure it's well-coated but not overly saturated.
- d.Gently lift the coated bread slice, allowing any excess batter to drip off, and carefully place it on the hot pan.
- e.Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until the bottom is golden brown and crisp.
- f.Flip the toast carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until it's cooked through and golden.
- g.Repeat the process for the remaining 7 bread slices, adding more oil to the pan as needed for each batch.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve Hot
- b.Remove the masala french toast from the pan and place it on a serving plate.
- c.Serve immediately while hot with a side of tomato ketchup, green coriander chutney, or a hot cup of masala chai.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a wide, shallow bowl for the batter. This makes it much easier to dip the bread slices evenly.
- 2Ensure your vegetables are chopped very finely. This helps them adhere to the bread and cook evenly.
- 3Do not over-soak the bread, especially if it's fresh. It can become soggy and fall apart in the pan.
- 4Maintain a consistent medium heat. If the heat is too high, the outside will burn before the egg inside is fully cooked.
- 5For a richer taste, you can use ghee or a combination of butter and oil for frying.
- 6Gently press the toast with a spatula while cooking to ensure it cooks evenly and gets a nice golden color.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Masala Toast
Sprinkle a tablespoon of grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top of the toast after flipping it in the pan. Cover with a lid for a minute to melt the cheese.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
Omit the eggs and milk. Increase besan to 1/2 cup and mix with about 3/4 cup of water or plant-based milk to form a pancake-like batter. Proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Add More VegetablesAdd More Vegetables
Incorporate other finely chopped or grated vegetables like bell peppers (capsicum), carrots, or spinach into the batter for added nutrition and flavor.
Extra CrispyExtra Crispy
Add 1 tablespoon of fine semolina (rava/sooji) or rice flour to the batter for an extra crispy texture on the outside.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of eggs and chickpea flour (besan) provides a high-quality protein boost, which is essential for muscle maintenance, repair, and keeping you full longer.
Sustained Energy Release
This dish offers a balanced mix of carbohydrates from bread and protein from eggs, providing a steady release of energy to power you through your morning without a sugar crash.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The inclusion of fresh vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves contributes essential vitamins (like Vitamin C and K), minerals, and antioxidants to your meal.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which consists of two pieces of masala french toast, contains approximately 310-340 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the type of bread and amount of oil used.