Breakfast is always an important meal of the day. Many people want something quick to make but also full of flavor. Most of the time we think of sweet French toast made with sugar and cinnamon, but sometimes you do not want a sweet dish early in the morning. For that reason savory French toast is a very good choice. It is spicy, filling, and can be cooked in less than fifteen minutes.
This recipe is also known as masala French toast in India. It is made with bread, eggs, onion, green chili, and Indian spices. The taste is different from the normal French toast you find in cafes because it has a little heat from the spices and freshness from coriander leaves. It is enjoyed in many Indian homes as a quick breakfast or evening snack. Even children like it when made less spicy.
Another great thing about savory French toast is that it does not need any fancy ingredients. Bread and eggs are always available at home. With just a few more things like onion, chili, and masala you can turn a simple bread slice into a hot and delicious meal. If you want more taste you can even spread green chutney or hot sauce on the bread before dipping it into the egg mixture. That gives extra flavor and color.
Ingredients
- Four slices of thick bread
- Two medium eggs
- One fourth cup milk
- Two or three tablespoons finely chopped onion or spring onion
- One or two chopped green chilies
- Two tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves
- One eighth teaspoon turmeric powder
- One fourth to one teaspoon chili flakes
- One third teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- One third teaspoon garam masala
- One third teaspoon salt
- One and a half tablespoon butter
- Optional four tablespoons mint chutney or hot sauce or pesto to spread on bread
- Optional sprinkle of chaat masala before serving
How to Make Savory French Toast
- Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them well until frothy. Add milk, chopped onion, green chili, coriander leaves, turmeric powder, chili flakes, roasted cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix everything together until smooth.
- Heat a non stick pan on medium flame and add butter. If you are using chutney or hot sauce then spread it on one side of each bread slice.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture. Coat both sides properly and allow the extra liquid to drip back into the bowl.
- Place the bread on the hot pan and cook until the bottom side turns golden and slightly crisp. Flip it carefully and cook the other side as well. Press gently so that the egg cooks inside.
- Repeat the same with all slices. When done you can sprinkle chaat masala on top if you like. Serve hot with tea or coffee.
Tips and Variations
Use bread that is slightly thick and not too soft. Very soft bread will break when dipped into the egg mixture.
For extra taste you can spread green chutney, tomato ketchup, or even pesto on the bread before dipping.
If you are making for kids reduce or skip the chili and use only mild spices.
Savory French toast tastes best when eaten hot straight from the pan.
If you want a lighter version you can fry it in a little oil instead of butter.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories around 376
Protein around 13 grams
Fat around 21 grams
Carbohydrates around 33 grams
Fiber around 4 grams
This shows that the dish has a good balance of protein from eggs and energy from bread which makes it a filling breakfast.
Serving Ideas
Serve it with green chutney, tomato ketchup, or hot sauce.
Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or evening snack.
Pack it in a lunch box for children with some extra vegetables on the side.
Make it as a quick dinner when you are short of time.
FAQs
1. What is savory French toast
It is a spicy version of French toast made with eggs, onion, chili, and Indian spices instead of sugar.
2. Can I make it without chili
Yes you can skip the chili if you want a mild taste.
3. Which bread is best for this recipe
Thick bread slices are best because they hold the egg mixture well and do not break.
4. Can I add more vegetables
Yes you can add chopped capsicum, tomato, or grated carrot in the egg mixture.
5. Can I use oil instead of butter
Yes you can use oil if you want a lighter version or if butter is not available.
6. Is this recipe good for kids
Yes it is good for kids if you reduce the spice level.
7. Can I make this without eggs
Eggs are the base of this recipe but you can try with chickpea flour batter as an egg free version.
8. Can I reheat savory French toast
Yes reheat on a pan or in an oven but it tastes best when fresh.
9. What is the difference between sweet and savory French toast
Sweet French toast has sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes vanilla while savory French toast has onion, chili, and spices.
10. Can I make it in an air fryer
Yes you can place the dipped bread in an air fryer and cook until golden, but the taste will be slightly different from pan fried.
