Besan French Toast Recipe – Indian Spiced Bread & Omelette

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Besan French Toast Recipe – Indian Spiced Bread & Omelette

Introduction

Oh, French toast! But not as you know it. This isn’t your average cinnamon-sugar dusted breakfast. This is Besan French Toast – a savory, spiced delight that’s a huge hit in my family. I first stumbled upon this when visiting my aunt in Delhi, and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s incredibly versatile; you can enjoy it as a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a light dinner. It’s basically a flavour bomb, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Besan French Toast is a delightful twist on a classic. It’s packed with flavour thanks to the Indian spices, and the besan (gram flour) adds a lovely texture and a subtle nutty taste. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and is incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover bread!

Ingredients

• 1 cup besan (gram flour) – about 180g
• ½ – ¾ cup maida (all-purpose flour) – about 90-135g
• 1 tsp baking powder – about 4g
• ½ tsp salt – about 3g
• ½ tsp turmeric powder – about 2g
• ½ tsp chilli powder – adjust to taste!
• ¼ tsp pepper powder – about 1g
• 1 – 1 ½ cups water – about 240-360ml
• 2 tbsp finely chopped onion – about 20g
• 2 tbsp finely chopped tomato – about 30g
• 2 tbsp finely chopped capsicum (bell pepper) – about 20g
• 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander (cilantro) – about 10g
• 2 green chillies, finely chopped (optional)
• Bread slices – any kind will do!
• Butter – for cooking

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Besan, or gram flour, is the star here. It’s made from ground chickpeas and adds a wonderful flavour and texture. You can usually find it in Indian grocery stores, or even in the international aisle of larger supermarkets.

Maida gives the batter a lighter texture. Feel free to experiment with the amount – less maida will result in a denser toast, more will make it lighter.

Spice levels are totally up to you! I like a little kick, but you can adjust the chilli powder to your preference. Some people even add a pinch of garam masala for extra warmth.

As for the bread, anything works! I’ve used white bread, whole wheat, and even leftover pav (Indian bread rolls) with great success. A slightly stale bread actually holds up better to the batter.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the besan, maida, baking powder, salt, turmeric, chilli powder, and pepper powder. Give it a good mix to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Now, slowly add the water, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. You want a smooth batter that’s similar in consistency to pancake batter. Don’t rush this step!
3. Stir in the chopped onions, tomatoes, capsicum, coriander, and green chillies (if using). This is where the magic happens – all those lovely flavours coming together.
4. For Bread Toast: Heat a lightly greased pan (I prefer non-stick) over medium heat. Dip a slice of bread into the batter, ensuring it’s coated on both sides. Place the batter-soaked bread on the hot pan. Cook for a couple of minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip it over, add a little butter to the pan, and cook the other side until golden.
5. For French Toast: Pour a ladleful of batter onto the hot, greased pan, spreading it out slightly. Place a slice of bread on top of the batter. Let it cook for a few minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip it over, tucking the edges of the bread into the batter as you go. Cook until golden and crispy.
6. For Plain Omelette: Spread a thin layer of batter onto the hot, greased pan. Cook for a minute or two until the bottom is set. Flip it over and cook the other side until golden brown. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook one or two slices at a time to ensure even cooking.
• A little bit of oil or butter in the batter itself can add extra richness.
• For extra crispy toast, let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes before using.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the water for plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) and use an egg replacer (like flaxseed meal mixed with water) for a vegan version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of maida. Make sure it’s a blend that works well for baking.
• Spice Level Adjustments: My friend, Priya, loves it really spicy, so she adds a pinch of cayenne pepper! Feel free to experiment with different chillies and spice combinations.
• Street Food Style Adaptation: My grandfather used to make this with a sprinkle of chaat masala on top – it’s amazing! You can also serve it with a side of green chutney.

Serving Suggestions

This Besan French Toast is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a side of:

• A dollop of plain yogurt or raita
• A spicy green chutney
• A cup of hot chai (Indian tea)
• A simple tomato ketchup (a childhood favourite!)

Storage Instructions

Leftover Besan French Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or toaster oven to restore its crispiness. The batter itself is best used immediately, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours – it might thicken slightly, so add a splash of water before using.

FAQs

• What is Besan and where can I find it? Besan is a flour made from ground chickpeas. You can find it in Indian grocery stores or the international aisle of most supermarkets.
• Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes, you can! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You might need to add a splash of water to thin it out before using.
• What type of bread works best for this recipe? Any bread will work, but slightly stale bread holds up better to the batter.
• How can I adjust the spice level? Simply adjust the amount of chilli powder! Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Can this be cooked without butter? Absolutely! You can use oil instead of butter, or even cook it dry on a non-stick pan.