Awadhi Masala French Toast
A royal twist on a breakfast classic! Thick bread slices are soaked in a fragrant egg batter spiced with classic Awadhi masalas like cardamom and mace, then pan-fried in ghee until golden. A truly unique and savory start to your day.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Savory Egg Batter
- b.In a wide, shallow bowl suitable for dipping bread, crack the 4 large eggs. Whisk them vigorously until the yolks and whites are fully combined and slightly frothy.
- c.To the whisked eggs, add 120ml of full-fat milk, 1 finely chopped small onion, 1 deseeded and finely chopped small tomato, 2 finely chopped green chilies, 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste, and 3 tbsp of chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Stir in the spices: 1 tsp garam masala, 0.25 tsp turmeric powder, 0.5 tsp red chili powder, 0.25 tsp cardamom powder, a pinch of mace powder, and 0.75 tsp of salt.
- e.Whisk everything together until you have a uniform, fragrant batter. This should take about 5 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Soak the Bread Slices
- b.Take one slice of bread at a time and gently place it in the egg batter.
- c.Allow it to soak for 15-20 seconds on each side. The goal is for the bread to absorb the batter without becoming overly saturated and falling apart. Ensure some of the chopped vegetables adhere to the surface of the bread.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shallow-Fry the French Toast
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a non-stick skillet or tawa over medium-low heat. The ghee should be hot but not smoking.
- c.Carefully lift two soaked bread slices from the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, and place them on the hot skillet.
- d.Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, until the bottom is a deep golden brown and crisp. Use a spatula to gently press down on the toast to ensure even cooking.
- e.Flip the toast and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until it's equally golden and the egg is fully cooked through.
- f.Repeat the process with the remaining bread slices, adding more ghee to the pan for each batch as needed. This entire step will take about 10-12 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and Serve Hot
- b.Once cooked, transfer the masala French toast to a serving platter.
- c.Immediately sprinkle with 0.5 tsp of chaat masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- d.Serve hot with a side of mint-coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato ketchup for a delicious and royal breakfast.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use day-old, sturdy bread like brioche or thick-cut white bread. It absorbs the batter better without disintegrating.
- 2Ensure your onions, tomatoes, and chilies are chopped very finely. This helps them stick to the bread and cook evenly.
- 3Cook on a consistent medium-low heat. High heat will burn the outside before the egg in the center is cooked.
- 4For a richer, creamier texture, you can substitute the milk with an equal amount of light cream or malai.
- 5Use a wide, flat-bottomed bowl for the batter. It makes dipping the bread slices much easier and cleaner.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Delight
Add 2-3 tablespoons of grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the egg batter for a gooey, cheesy version.
Extra SpicyExtra Spicy
Increase the amount of green chilies and red chili powder, or add a pinch of black pepper to the batter for an extra kick.
Vegetable LoadedVegetable Loaded
Add other finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers (capsicum) or grated carrots to the batter for added nutrition and crunch.
Whole Wheat VersionWhole Wheat Version
Substitute the white bread with thick-cut whole wheat or multigrain bread for a healthier, fiber-rich option.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
With four large eggs in the recipe, this dish is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, satiety, and maintaining energy levels throughout the morning.
Energy Boosting
The carbohydrates from the bread provide a quick and effective source of energy, making this an ideal breakfast to fuel the start of your day.
Rich in Aromatic Spices
The blend of Awadhi spices like cardamom, mace, and turmeric not only provides a unique, royal flavor but also offers potential health benefits. Turmeric, for instance, contains curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which consists of two pieces of Awadhi Masala French Toast, contains approximately 410-430 calories. This can vary based on the type of bread and the amount of ghee absorbed during cooking.