Spiced Savory Vegan French Toast (Printable Version)
# What You’ll Need:
→ Base Batter
01 -
1 cup chickpea flour or gram or besan flour (100g)
02 -
1 tsp flax meal for binding
03 -
1 cup water or unsweetened plant milk (236ml)
04 -
1/2 baguette sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces (stale or day-old works best)
05 -
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
06 -
1-2 green chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
07 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
08 -
1/4 to 1/2 tsp kala namak (black salt), to sprinkle on top after cooking
09 -
1-2 tbsp neutral oil for pan-frying
→ Spices
10 -
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
11 -
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or 1 tsp paprika for milder flavor
12 -
1/2 tsp ground cumin
13 -
1 tsp ground coriander
→ To Serve (optional)
14 -
Hummus or vegan yogurt
15 -
Fresh salad (cucumber, tomato, greens)
16 -
Pickled onions or a quick chutney
17 -
Sliced avocado and chili oil
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
In a large bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, flax meal, spices, onion, chilies, water or milk, salt, and pepper. Ensure the batter is smooth and coats the back of a spoon. Adjust consistency with more liquid or chickpea flour as needed.
02 -
Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch rounds. Stale bread works best to soak up the batter without falling apart. If using sandwich bread, lightly toast it first to dry it out.
03 -
Dip each slice of bread into the batter, allowing it to soak for 10 to 15 seconds on each side. Ensure it absorbs flavor without turning soggy.
04 -
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Swirl the oil around and place the soaked bread slices in the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
05 -
Lower the heat and cover the skillet with a lid after flipping. This ensures the center cooks through without drying the toast. Once both sides are crisp and cooked through, transfer to a plate.
06 -
Sprinkle each piece with a small pinch of kala namak while still hot to impart an eggy flavor.
07 -
Serve hot with hummus or vegan yogurt, cucumber-tomato salad, or optionally with sliced avocado and chili oil for a brunch-style presentation.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Stale bread is crucial for absorbing batter effectively without breaking apart.
02 -
Kala namak, also known as black salt, mimics the flavor of eggs, enhancing the dish's umami profile.