Packing in tons of flavors and scrumptiousness, the Savory Masala French Toast is a gratifying breakfast made by dipping sliced bread in a spicy egg mixture and then pan-frying it to a perfectly delectable brown. Made from eggs, onions, and warming spices like turmeric and chili, this recipe is sure to be your family’s most loved on the breakfast menu.
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Bombay Toast
Growing up in India, I have had countless helpings of this Dhaba-style savory breakfast during my college days which is also known as Savory Bombay Toast. I fondly reminisce those days when my friends and I would spend hours chatting at the quaint little eateries. As rain made the most melodious sounds on the tin roofs of the dhabas, hot masala French toasts and ginger chai would make several rounds, and we would totally lose track of time. Back in those days….
No matter how often I had this tasty meal out, it was never enough for me. I would insist my mom make this dish for lazy weekend brunches and my dear mom always obliged.
This Indian savory French toast is just another awesome example of an interesting twist to the tried and tested French toast recipe, and taking it to another level of yumminess.
By the way, I love my sweet French toast made in the Instant Pot too. I make it extra decadent by drizzling maple syrup and topping it with sliced bananas, nuts, or chocolate chips. But if you prefer a savory hot breakfast, this easy spicy Bombay toast is your answer to an ultimately satisfying breakfast or lunch.
This quick Indian-style masala french toast is so easy to whip up and is so filling, you can actually plan this as a working lunch or even as a weeknight dinner. I serve the sizzling desi masala french toast with an accompaniment of ketchup, green chutney, or spicy sriracha. Can you imagine the burst of flavors in every bite? My family also loves to pair this meal with a piping hot cup of masala chai. The combination is just….Aaah, mind-blowing!
Best bread
Almost any bread works fine, but I like to use slightly firm bread. This way the toast retains the perfect texture and flavor. Sourdough or multigrain bread are my favorites for this bread and egg Indian breakfast recipe.
How to Make Desi Masala French Toast
Step 1: Whisk together onion, green chili, turmeric, salt, cilantro, and milk to a wide bowl (big enough to fit the sliced bread). Add in the eggs and whisk for a minute.
Step 2: Dip one slice of bread in the egg mixture and gently press down with a fork so the bread can absorb the egg mix. Flip the bread over and repeat on the other side.
Step 3: Heat a non-stick pan (you can also use cast iron) and apply ½ teaspoon of oil. Carefully place the soaked bread on the pan and spoon and spread over some extra onion mixture on top. Cook on medium heat for a minute or until the bottom side starts to turn golden brown. Turn over and cook the other side for a minute until it becomes golden brown.
Step 4: Repeat with the second slice of bread.
Serving
Serve hot with ketchup and green chutney and a cup of hot chai.
Tips
Here are some of my pro tips to make the best savory French toast:
- Preferably use firm bread for this recipe
- If using a softer bread, keep the slices in the refrigerator for at least 30 mins
- Chop the onions and chilies as finely as you can, this way they will stick easily to the bread
- Whip up the spicy egg mixture in a wide bowl in which you can easily soak the bread
- Use a non-stick fry pan to shallow fry the toast. Alternatively, you can also use a cast iron pan for this recipe.
Did you enjoy this quick and easy meal? Here are some more recipes to try:
- Chutney Sandwich - Easy to make famous Bombay sandwich
- Poha - Must try vegan breakfast recipe
- Paneer Kathi Rolls - Spicy Paneer and peppers in buttery paratha
- No Ferment Dosa - Quick & Easy twist to South Indian Dosa recipe
- Thalipeeth - Delicious Maharashtrian savory multigrain pancakes
- Methi Thepla - Savory fresh fenugreek parathas with sweet potatoes
- Kale Parathas - Savory Indian flatbreads are the best way to eat kale
Recipe
Masala French Toast | Savory Bombay Toast
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red onion finely minced
- 1 teaspoons green chili finely minced, jalapeno or other spicy chili works too
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons cilantro finely chopped
- ⅓ cup milk or water
- 2 slices bread sourdough, multigrain or whole wheat
To serve
- 2 tablespoons ketchup green chutney or sriracha sauce
Instructions
- Whisk together onion, green chili, turmeric, salt, cilantro and milk in a wide bowl (big enough to fit the sliced bread). Add in the eggs and whisk for a minute. Dip one slice of bread in the egg mixture and gently press down with a fork so the bread can absorb the egg mix. Flip the bread over and repeat on the other side.
- Heat a non stick pan (you can also use cast iron) and apply ½ teaspoon of oil. Carefully place the soaked bread on the pan. Spoon and spread over some extra onions from the egg mixture on top. Cook on medium heat for a minute or until the bottom side starts to turn golden brown.
- Turn over and cook the other side for a minute until it becomes golden brown. Repeat with the second slice of bread.
- Serve hot with ketchup, sriracha or green chutney.
Video
Nutrition
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Sonam says
Delicious and easy to follow recipe
sneha says
wow definetly try .which pan s this can you give us the name.thank you
Archana says
Its healthy non stick pan - 2. https://mealthy.com/products/stainless-steel-10-inch-frying-pan
Use Coupon Code “ministryofcurry” for $10 discount for purchase over $59.95
Sabeen says
Quick, easy, delicious and filling!!
Sabeen says
Just to add, I was making a single serving, so ended up throwing all of the ingredients (halved) directly into a small square pan... sautéed for a bit, mixed in the egg and immediately put the bread slice over it. Let it soak for a few seconds and flipped it over and spooned the excess batter over it. One less dirty dish and all of the batter gets used up.
Bijal James says
Loved it. Quick and easy morning breakfast. Love all your recipes Archana.
Geetha Parasuram says
Hi Archana. I discovered you this morning and immediately made your masala french toast ( using keto bread made with vital wheat gluten) . Oh wow. My taste buds have been starving for something Indian.
As a diabetic on diet control and exercise, I am looking at your recipes to adapt for low carb/keto lifestyle.
I love that you have the nutrition breakdown at the end of your recipes.
My question - Is the nutrition value for the entire dish with accompaniments. For example for pav bhaji, is it with or without the bread. For tofu kheema, is it with or without the lettuce wraps and raitha and so on.
Thank you for this lovely blog and recipes.
Geetha
Archana says
Hi Geetha! So the nutrition value are calculated based on the ingredient list. So, Pav Bhaji includes the pav and Tofu kheema includes raita and lettuce
Geetha Parasuram says
Thanks for the reply. Love your recipes.
Rupali says
I was drooling over this recipe so much that I couldn’t wait till morning to try it. I made this masala French toast for dinner, and added sliced cheese to make it a grilled cheese, and it was SO good! It was a more tasty version of grilled cheese, and it felt healthier as it had some protein from the eggs. Will be making many more of these in the future!
Archana says
WOW!! Love grilled cheese french toast!
Polly says
I want to try this! What kind of green chili pepper did you use? I will use a jalapeno, tonight, but for next time I'd like to know what you mean by green chili pepper.
Thanks!
Archana says
Indian green chili pepper. It's smaller and spicier than a jalapeno. Although jalapeno is a good substitute. Read more here about Indian green chili peppers - https://ministryofcurry.com/indian-green-chili-peppers/ -
Polly says
What kind of cheese did you use? Thanks for your reply!
Shabinamistry says
Must try easy and healthy
Shamin says
Hi Archana. I love your recipes. Could this recipe be adapted for cooking in an air fryer, perhaps?
Archana says
You can cook these in the air fryer by lining the air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper so the dough does not stick. Spray the top side with oil. cook for 4 to 5 minutes on 350 F, flip it over and spray the top with oil. Cook for additional 3 to 4 minutes. Def keep an eye for the last few minutes as each air fyer works differently and you may need to adjust the cook time to be more or less.
Nelly says
I love this recipe so much. It is definitely one of my favorites! Thank you for sharing!!!
Lili says
Yum taste like home fries