Savory French Toast
A popular Indian breakfast where bread slices are soaked in a savory egg batter packed with onions, tomatoes, and spices, then pan-fried to golden perfection. A quick and delicious twist on classic French toast.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Savory Egg Batter
- b.In a wide, shallow bowl large enough to dip a bread slice, crack the 4 eggs.
- c.Whisk the eggs vigorously for about 1 minute until they are light and frothy.
- d.Pour in the 120 ml of milk and whisk again to combine.
- e.Add the finely chopped onion, tomato, green chilies, coriander leaves, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
- f.Mix thoroughly until all the vegetables and spices are evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Heat the Pan
- b.Place a non-stick pan or tawa over medium heat.
- c.Add about 1 teaspoon of oil and swirl the pan to coat the surface evenly. Allow it to heat up for about 1 minute.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Coat and Fry the Bread
- b.Take one slice of bread and briefly dip it into the egg batter, about 5-10 seconds per side. Ensure it's well-coated but not overly saturated.
- c.Gently lift the coated bread, allowing any excess batter to drip off, and carefully place it on the hot pan.
- d.Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until the bottom is golden brown and crisp. You can gently press it with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Flip and Finish Cooking
- b.Flip the toast carefully and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until it's also golden brown and the egg is fully cooked through.
- c.Remove the toast from the pan and place it on a serving plate.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook Remaining Slices
- b.Repeat the process for the remaining 7 bread slices, adding a little more oil to the pan for each new batch to prevent sticking.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the savory French toast immediately while it's hot and fresh. It pairs wonderfully with tomato ketchup or a spicy green chutney.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best results, as it holds its shape better after soaking.
- 2Ensure all vegetables are chopped very finely so they adhere to the bread and cook evenly.
- 3Do not over-soak the bread. A quick dip is all that's needed to coat it without making it fall apart.
- 4Maintain a consistent medium heat. If the pan is too hot, the outside will burn before the egg inside is cooked.
- 5For a richer flavor, use butter or ghee instead of oil for frying.
- 6Press the toast gently with a spatula while it cooks to help it brown evenly and ensure the vegetables cook through.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Delight
Sprinkle some grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top of the toast after flipping it. Cover the pan for a minute to let the cheese melt.
Vegetable LoadedVegetable Loaded
Add other finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers (capsicum), grated carrots, or sweet corn to the egg batter for extra nutrition and crunch.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Incorporate other fresh herbs like mint or dried herbs like oregano and chili flakes into the batter for a different flavor profile.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add a pinch of black pepper powder or finely chopped ginger to the egg mixture for an extra kick of spice.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Eggs are a primary ingredient, providing high-quality protein essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. A protein-rich breakfast helps keep you feeling full and energized.
Quick Energy Source
The bread provides carbohydrates, which are the body's main source of energy, making this an excellent meal to start your day and fuel your morning activities.
Packed with Vegetables
The inclusion of onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves adds essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your meal, contributing to better overall health.
Frequently asked questions
It can be a balanced breakfast, offering protein from eggs and carbohydrates from bread. To make it healthier, use whole wheat bread, load it with vegetables, and use minimal oil for cooking.