Indian Sweet French Toast
A delightful twist on the classic breakfast! Thick slices of bread are soaked in a fragrant, cardamom-spiced egg mixture and pan-fried in ghee until golden. A quick, delicious, and kid-friendly treat, often known as 'Bombay Toast'.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Custard Mixture
- b.In a small bowl, gently warm 2 tablespoons of the milk. Add the saffron strands and let them bloom for 5-7 minutes to release their color and aroma.
- c.In a wide, shallow dish (like a pie plate), crack the eggs. Add the remaining milk, sugar, green cardamom powder, cinnamon powder, and salt.
- d.Add the saffron-infused milk to the egg mixture.
- e.Whisk everything vigorously until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth and pale yellow.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Soak the Bread
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a large non-stick skillet or tawa over medium-low heat. The ghee should be hot but not smoking.
- c.Working one slice at a time, quickly dip a slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10 seconds per side. It should be fully saturated but not soggy.
- d.Let any excess custard drip off before placing it in the pan.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Pan-Fry the Toast
- b.Carefully place the soaked bread slice onto the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches of 1 or 2 slices.
- c.Fry for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until it's a deep golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
- d.Flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until cooked through and golden.
- e.Remove from the pan and place on a wire rack to prevent it from getting steamy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Repeat and Serve
- b.Wipe the pan clean if needed and add more ghee for the next batch.
- c.Repeat the soaking and frying process with the remaining bread slices.
- d.Serve the Indian Sweet French Toast immediately while hot. Garnish with chopped pistachios, a drizzle of honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Using day-old or slightly stale bread is key. It has less moisture and soaks up the custard better without disintegrating.
- 2Cook on medium-low heat to ensure the inside cooks through without burning the outside, especially since the custard contains sugar which can caramelize quickly.
- 3For the best flavor, use full-fat milk and high-quality ghee. The fat content adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
- 4To keep the cooked toasts warm while you finish the batch, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in an oven set to 200°F (90°C).
- 5Don't press down on the toast while it's cooking. This can squeeze out the custard and make it dense.
Adapt it for your goals.
Flavor Boost
Add 1/4 teaspoon of rose water or a few drops of vanilla extract to the egg mixture for a different aromatic profile.
Bread ChoiceBread Choice
For a richer, more decadent version, use brioche, challah, or pav (Indian bread rolls) sliced in half.
Savory Version (Masala Toast)Savory Version (Masala Toast)
Omit the sugar, saffron, and cinnamon. Instead, add finely chopped onions, green chilies, cilantro, a pinch of turmeric, and red chili powder to the egg mixture.
Healthier OptionHealthier Option
Use whole wheat bread, replace sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or jaggery powder, and use a minimal amount of ghee for frying.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
The eggs in this recipe provide high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Provides Quick Energy
Carbohydrates from the bread and sugar offer a quick source of energy, making this an ideal breakfast to kickstart your day.
Aromatic Digestive Aid
Cardamom, the star spice in this dish, is traditionally known in Ayurveda for its digestive properties, helping to soothe the stomach and reduce bloating.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which consists of two pieces of toast, contains approximately 430-450 calories. The exact number can vary based on the type of bread, milk, and amount of ghee used.