Tawa Bread Toast
A quick and savory Indian breakfast where bread slices are coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter with vegetables and pan-fried until golden. Perfect with ketchup or chutney for a delicious start to the day.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the besan, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala, ajwain, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients to ensure they are evenly mixed.
- Add the finely chopped onion, deseeded tomato, green chilies, and coriander leaves to the bowl. Stir to combine with the flour mixture.
- Gradually add water while whisking continuously to create a smooth, lump-free batter. Aim for a consistency similar to a thick pancake batter that can easily coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Coat the Bread
- Heat a tawa (griddle) or a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 teaspoon of oil and spread it evenly.
- Take one slice of bread and dip it into the besan batter. Quickly coat both sides evenly. Avoid soaking the bread for more than a few seconds to prevent it from becoming soggy and breaking apart.
- Lift the coated bread slice, allowing any excess batter to drip back into the bowl.
Pan-Fry the Toast
- Carefully place the batter-coated bread slice onto the hot tawa. Cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until the bottom side is golden brown and crisp.
- Drizzle another teaspoon of oil on top and around the edges of the bread.
- Using a spatula, flip the toast. Gently press down to ensure it cooks evenly. Cook the second side for another 2-3 minutes until it's also golden brown and the besan is fully cooked.
Repeat and Serve
- Once both sides are perfectly cooked, remove the toast from the tawa and place it on a serving plate. You can cut it diagonally into triangles.
- Repeat the process for the remaining bread slices, adding a little oil to the tawa for each toast.
- Serve the Tawa Bread Toast immediately while hot and crispy with tomato ketchup, mint chutney, or a cup of hot masala chai.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the batter has the right consistency. If it's too thin, it won't stick to the bread. If it's too thick, the inside will remain raw.
- 2Cook on a consistent medium flame. High heat will brown the outside quickly while leaving the besan uncooked inside.
- 3Deseeding the tomatoes is crucial to prevent the batter from becoming watery.
- 4For a fluffier texture, you can add a pinch of baking soda to the batter.
- 5Using a cast-iron tawa can help in achieving a more even browning and crispier texture.
- 6Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook one or two toasts at a time for best results.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Vegetables
Incorporate finely grated vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or cabbage into the batter for added nutrition and crunch.
Cheesy ToastCheesy Toast
Place a slice of cheese on the toast after flipping it once, and let it melt before serving.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
This recipe is naturally vegan. Just ensure you use a plant-based bread and vegetable oil for frying.
Add SemolinaAdd Semolina
Add 2 tablespoons of fine semolina (rava/suji) to the batter for an extra crispy toast.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Besan (chickpea flour) is an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Good Source of Fiber
The combination of whole wheat bread, besan, and vegetables provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
The inclusion of fresh vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and coriander provides essential vitamins (like Vitamin C and K) and minerals that support overall health and immunity.
Aids Digestion
Ajwain (carom seeds) is well-known in Indian cuisine for its digestive properties, helping to alleviate indigestion and bloating.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Tawa Bread Toast (2 pieces) contains approximately 280-320 calories, depending on the type of bread and amount of oil used.