Besan-Egg Toast
Crispy, golden bread slices dipped in a spiced gram flour and egg batter, then pan-fried to perfection. This quick and easy Indian-style savory toast is packed with protein and makes a satisfying breakfast or evening snack. Ready in under 20 minutes, it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai and a side of tangy ketchup or green chutney.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Make the batter.
1.In a medium mixing bowl, add 0.5 cup besan, 2 whisked eggs, 0.25 cup onion, 0.25 cup tomato, 1 chopped green chili, and 2 tbsp coriander leaves.2.Add 1 pinch turmeric powder, 1 pinch red chili powder, and 0.25 tsp salt.3.Whisk until you get a smooth, lump-free batter with a coating consistency. If too thick, add 1-2 tsp water.TIPThe batter should be thick enough to cling to the bread without dripping excessively. - fry · ~6 min
Dip and pan-fry the toast.
1.Heat 1 tbsp oil in a flat pan or tawa over medium heat.2.Dip one bread slice into the batter, letting the excess drip off, and place it immediately on the hot pan.3.Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.4.Drizzle 0.5 tsp oil around the edges, flip the toast, and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until crisp and golden.TIPKeep the heat on medium. High heat will blacken the besan without cooking it through. - fry · ~9 min
Cook the remaining toasts.
Repeat the dipping and pan-frying process with the remaining 3 bread slices, adding oil to the pan as needed. Each toast gets its own fresh dip in the batter just before hitting the pan.
TIPGive the batter a quick stir before dipping each slice to redistribute the veggies. - serve
Slice and serve hot.
Cut each toast diagonally into triangles. Serve immediately while hot and crispy with ketchup or green chutney on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Let the batter rest for 5 minutes after whisking so the besan hydrates for a smoother texture.
- 2Use day-old or slightly stale bread — it absorbs the batter without turning mushy.
- 3Add deseeded tomatoes only; excess moisture from seeds will thin the batter and make toast soggy.
- 4Flip the toast only when the underside is deep golden; premature flipping can tear the batter coating.
- 5Keep the pan on medium heat throughout; high heat burns the besan while leaving the inside raw.
- 6Make ahead: Prepare the dry besan mix (minus egg and veggies) and store in an airtight jar for up to a week.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheese-stuffed
Place a slice of cheese between two bread slices before dipping (making a sandwich), then batter and fry as usual. The melted cheese adds a rich, indulgent layer — ideal for a hearty weekend breakfast.
veganVegan
Replace each egg with 3 tablespoons of water mixed with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal (let it gel for 5 minutes). The flax mimics the binding of egg while keeping the toast egg-free and plant-based.
high proteinHigh-protein
Substitute half the besan with roasted and powdered peanuts or soy flour. This boosts the protein content further and adds a nutty undertone, perfect for post-workout refueling.
low oilLow-oil
Use a non-stick pan and reduce oil to just 1 teaspoon per toast, brushing the pan instead of drizzling. The crust will be less shatteringly crisp but still golden and far lighter in fat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Plant Protein
Besan (chickpea flour) is a legume-based protein source that complements the egg, making this toast a protein-packed breakfast that supports muscle repair and satiety.
Good Source of Fiber
Chickpea flour provides dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the morning.
Rich in Vitamins from Veggies
The fresh onion, tomato, and cilantro add a punch of vitamin C, antioxidants, and gut-friendly fiber with minimal calories.
Lower Glycemic Option
Besan has a lower glycemic index than refined wheat flour, making this toast a smarter choice for managing blood sugar spikes compared to plain bread.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — whole wheat works well. Just note that it may absorb batter slightly faster, so dip quickly to avoid sogginess, and cook on medium heat to ensure the center cooks through.
