Indian Sweet French Toast with Masala Chai

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Custard Mixture

   • 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.
   • In a wide, shallow dish (like a pie plate), crack the eggs. Add the remaining milk, sugar, green cardamom powder, cinnamon powder, and salt.
   • Add the saffron-infused milk to the egg mixture.
   • Whisk everything vigorously until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth and pale yellow.
2. 2

   Soak the Bread

   • 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.
   • 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.
   • Let any excess custard drip off before placing it in the pan.
3. 3

   Pan-Fry the Toast

   • Carefully place the soaked bread slice onto the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches of 1 or 2 slices.
   • Fry for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until it's a deep golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
   • Flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until cooked through and golden.
   • Remove from the pan and place on a wire rack to prevent it from getting steamy.
4. 4

   Repeat and Serve

   • Wipe the pan clean if needed and add more ghee for the next batch.
   • Repeat the soaking and frying process with the remaining bread slices.
   • 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.