Is Besan Bread Toast healthy?

Yes, it can be a very healthy choice. It's rich in plant-based protein from besan and high in fiber from whole wheat bread and vegetables. Shallow frying with minimal oil makes it a balanced and nutritious breakfast or snack.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. The besan batter is naturally gluten-free. Simply substitute the whole wheat bread with your favorite gluten-free bread slices to make the entire dish gluten-free.

How do I prevent the toast from getting soggy?

The key is to not soak the bread in the batter; a quick dip is enough. Also, cook on a medium-hot pan and serve immediately. Placing cooked toast on a wire rack instead of a plate prevents steam from making the bottom soggy.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, for a lower-oil version. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the coated bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

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Bread Toast

POPULARITY

0.0/5

TASTE SCORE

7/10

A classic Indian breakfast, this savory Besan Bread Toast is crispy on the outside and soft within. Bread slices are dipped in a flavorful spiced chickpea flour batter loaded with fresh vegetables and pan-fried to a perfect golden-brown. It's a quick, satisfying, and protein-rich meal perfect for any time of day.

PREP

10m

COOK

15m

SERVES

2 PIECES

311 cal

SERVINGS

INSTRUCTIONS

3 steps. 15 minutes total.

3 STEPS

1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Batter
- b.In a medium mixing bowl, combine the besan, ajwain, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Whisk for 30 seconds to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion, tomato, green chilies, and cilantro to the bowl. Stir to combine with the flour mixture.
- d.Gradually pour in the water while whisking continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth, thick, and lump-free batter. The consistency should be similar to a thick pancake batter, able to coat the back of a spoon.
- e.Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the besan to hydrate and the flavors to meld.
2
Step 2
- a.Coat and Cook the Toast
- b.Place a non-stick skillet (tawa) or a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add about 1 teaspoon of oil and spread it evenly.
- c.Take one slice of bread and give the batter a quick stir. Dip the bread slice into the batter, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Do not let the bread soak; a quick dip is sufficient.
- d.Gently lift the coated bread slice, allowing any excess batter to drip off, and immediately place it on the hot pan.
- e.Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until the bottom is golden brown and crisp. You can drizzle a little more oil around the edges if needed.
- f.Carefully flip the toast using a spatula and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until it is also golden brown and the batter is fully cooked through.
3
Step 3
- a.Repeat and Serve
- b.Remove the cooked toast from the pan and place it on a wire rack to maintain its crispness. Avoid stacking them on a plate.
- c.Repeat the process for the remaining bread slices, adding about 1 teaspoon of oil to the pan for each new toast.
- d.Serve the Besan Bread Toast hot, either whole or cut diagonally. It pairs wonderfully with tomato ketchup, green chutney, or a cup of hot masala chai.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
For an extra crispy texture, add 1 tablespoon of rice flour or fine semolina (sooji) to the besan batter.
2
Ensure the batter has a thick, coating consistency. If it's too thin, it won't stick to the bread; if too thick, the inside may remain raw.
3
Do not soak the bread in the batter. A quick dip is all that's needed to coat it without making it fall apart.
4
Cook on a steady medium heat. High heat will burn the outside while the inside remains uncooked, and low heat will make the toast absorb excess oil.
5
Finely chopping the vegetables is key. It ensures they cook through and adhere well to the batter.
6
Serve immediately for the best taste and texture. The toast tends to lose its crispness as it cools.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Vegetable Loaded

Vegetable-Loaded

Add other finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers (capsicum), grated carrots, or sweet corn to the batter for extra nutrients and crunch.

Cheesy Delight

Place a slice of cheese on the toast after flipping it once. Cover the pan for a minute to let the cheese melt for a gooey, delicious twist.

Spicy & Tangy

Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and 1/2 teaspoon of chaat masala to the batter for an extra layer of tangy and savory flavor.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

muscle

Protein-Packed

Besan (chickpea flour) is an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.

leaf

Rich in Fiber

Using whole wheat bread and adding vegetables like onions and tomatoes increases the fiber content, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

battery-full

Sustained Energy Release

The combination of complex carbohydrates from whole wheat bread and protein from besan provides a steady release of energy, keeping you full and energized for longer.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

A single serving of two pieces contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the type of bread and the amount of oil absorbed during cooking.

PAIRS WELL WITH

Complete meals featuring this recipe

general_healthy·30 min·276 cal

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Bread Toast

For 4 servings

3 steps. 15 minutes total.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3