Eggless French toast

A quick, savory, and satisfying twist on the classic breakfast favorite, this Eggless French Toast uses curd, semolina, and aromatic spices instead of eggs. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it makes for a perfect breakfast or evening snack, best served hot with chutney or tomato ketchup.

Ingredients

• 4–5 slices bread
• 2 tsp semolina (sooji)
• 2 tsp curd
• 2 green chillies, finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 pod garlic, crushed
• ½ tsp red chilli powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Few coriander leaves, finely chopped
• 2–3 tsp oil

Method

1. Prepare the batter:

   • In a mixing bowl, add semolina (sooji) and curd.
   • Mix well until combined to form a smooth base.
   • Now add finely chopped onion, green chillies, crushed garlic, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt, and chopped coriander leaves.
   • Stir everything together to form a medium-consistency batter — it should be thick enough to coat the bread but not too runny.
   • If the batter feels too thick, add 1–2 tsp of water to adjust consistency.

2. Preheat the pan:

   • Place a tawa or non-stick frying pan on medium flame.
   • Add 1 tsp of oil and spread it evenly across the surface using a spoon or brush.
   • Allow the oil to heat up slightly — this ensures the bread turns crisp and golden without sticking.

3. Coat the bread slices:

   • Take one slice of bread and spread a generous layer of the prepared batter on one side using a spoon or butter knife.
   • Ensure the batter covers the surface evenly, reaching all corners.
   • Carefully place the coated side facing down on the hot pan.
   • While it cooks, spread the batter on the other side of the bread as well.

4. Toast until golden and crisp:

   • Cook the bread slice on medium flame until the bottom turns golden brown and slightly crisp.
   • Flip the bread gently and toast the other side.
   • Add a few drops of oil around the edges if needed to enhance crispiness.
   • Each side usually takes 2–3 minutes to cook.
   • Repeat the process for all the remaining bread slices.

5. Serve hot:

   • Once both sides are crisp and golden, remove the slices onto a serving plate.
   • Serve the Eggless French Toast hot with tomato ketchup, mint chutney, or even curd dip for a refreshing contrast.

Chef’s Tips

• For extra crunch, use day-old bread or slightly toasted slices before adding the batter.
• You can add grated carrots or capsicum to the batter for more texture and nutrition.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing green chillies and red chilli powder.
• For a richer flavor, replace regular oil with ghee while toasting.