Marwari French Toast
A savory, eggless twist on classic French toast. Bread slices are dipped in a spiced chickpea flour batter with vegetables and pan-fried until golden. A perfect quick breakfast or snack from Rajasthan.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Batter
- b.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the besan, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, ajwain, hing, and salt. Breaking up any lumps is key.
- c.Add the curd and ginger paste, and whisk again to form a thick paste.
- d.Gradually pour in water while whisking continuously to create a smooth, lump-free batter. The ideal consistency is like a thick pancake batter—it should coat the back of a spoon without being too runny.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Incorporate Vegetables
- b.To the prepared batter, add the finely chopped onion, tomato, green chilies, and coriander leaves.
- c.Mix gently until all the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Let the batter rest for 2-3 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shallow-Fry the Toast
- b.Heat a non-stick tawa or flat pan over medium heat. Once hot, add about 1 teaspoon of ghee and spread it evenly.
- c.Take one slice of bread and dip it into the besan batter. Quickly coat both sides, ensuring you don't let it soak for more than 5-10 seconds.
- d.Carefully lift the coated bread slice, allowing any excess batter to drip off, and place it on the hot tawa.
- e.Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until the bottom is golden brown and crisp. Press down gently with a spatula for even cooking.
- f.Drizzle a little more ghee on top and around the edges, then flip the toast. Cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until it's also golden brown and the besan is fully cooked.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Repeat and Serve
- b.Remove the cooked toast from the pan and place it on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
- c.Repeat the process with the remaining bread slices, adding more ghee to the pan as needed for each toast.
- d.Once all toasts are cooked, you can cut them diagonally in half.
- e.Serve immediately while hot with mint-coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato ketchup.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use day-old bread as it is firmer and absorbs less batter, preventing it from becoming soggy.
- 2Ensure the batter has a medium-thick consistency. If it's too thin, it won't coat the bread; if too thick, the inside will remain raw.
- 3Cook on a steady medium flame. High heat will brown the outside too quickly, leaving the besan batter uncooked inside.
- 4For an extra crispy texture, add 1 tablespoon of rice flour or fine semolina (suji) to the besan batter.
- 5Press the toast gently with a spatula while cooking to ensure it cooks evenly and the vegetables adhere well.
- 6Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook one or two toasts at a time depending on the size of your pan.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add More Vegetables
Incorporate other finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers (capsicum), grated carrots, or corn into the batter for added nutrition and flavor.
Make it CheesyMake it Cheesy
Place a slice of cheese between two batter-coated bread slices to make a savory, cheesy sandwich version before frying.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add a pinch of black pepper powder or some finely chopped garlic to the batter for an extra kick of flavor.
Gluten Free OptionGluten-Free Option
Use your favorite gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Besan (chickpea flour) is an excellent source of vegetarian protein, which is essential for muscle repair, cell growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Aids Digestion
The inclusion of traditional spices like ajwain (carom seeds) and hing (asafoetida) is known to aid digestion, prevent bloating, and alleviate gas.
Source of Fiber and Nutrients
With vegetables like onion and tomato, and by using whole wheat bread, this dish provides dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a balanced meal.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of two pieces of Marwari French Toast contains approximately 420-450 calories, depending on the type of bread and the amount of ghee used for frying.