I’m not sure if savoury french toast is already a thing but I like to think that this is my mom’s creation! It’s cosy, crispy, and absolute perfection.
Remember those cosy mornings with the smell of French toast wafting through the house?
My mom’s savoury French toast was a family favourite, a comforting and delicious way to start the day. This recipe, a cherished family heirloom, offers a unique and flavorful twist on the classic French toast.
Let’s dive into the details and discover why this dish has become a beloved tradition in our household.
If there’s one thing my mom was adamant about, it’s wasting food (and specifically, bread) because that was something we always had in our home.
Whenever we had leftover Bread slices from one too many Kheema sandwiches, my mom used the sliced loaf, soaked the pieces in egg, and shallow-fried it for the most delicious breakfast side.
It was always a treat coming down to find these on a rushed school morning.
A Brief History of French Toast
While the exact origins of French toast, or pain perdu in French, are somewhat debated, it is believed to have originated in ancient Rome as a way to use up stale bread. The Romans would soak the bread in a mixture of eggs and milk before frying it in olive oil or butter. Over time, the recipe spread throughout Europe and eventually made its way to North America.
Types of Bread for French Toast
Types of Bread for French Toast
While any type of bread can be used for French toast, some breads are better suited to the dish than others. Brioche, challah, and sourdough are all popular choices for French toast. These breads are thick, dense, and have a rich flavor that pairs well with the custard mixture.
Brioche:
This rich, buttery bread is a popular choice for French toast. It has a soft, airy texture that soaks up the custard mixture well.Challah:
This Jewish egg bread is another great option for French toast. It has a braided shape and a slightly sweet flavour.Sourdough:
Sourdough bread has a tangy flavor and a dense, open texture. It holds up well in the custard mixture and can add a unique flavor to your French toast.Thick-sliced white bread:
This is a classic choice for French toast. It is soft and fluffy, and it soaks up the custard mixture well.French bread:
French bread has a crusty exterior and a soft interior. It can add a nice texture to your French toast.
A Taste of Home
This recipe holds a special place in my heart, evoking memories of cherished family moments. My dad would often request this savoury French toast on weekends or special occasions. The combination of soft, custardy bread, crispy edges, and the savoury medley of vegetables was a symphony of flavours that never failed to impress.
Tips for Making the Perfect French Toast
- Bread Choice: While thick-sliced bread is recommended for a classic French toast experience, you can experiment with different types like sourdough or challah to suit your preferences.
- Custard Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired level of richness. For a creamier texture, consider using a combination of milk and heavy cream.
- Pan Temperature: Cook the French toast over medium heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Toppings: Experiment with different toppings to customize the flavour profile. Cheese, bacon, sausage, avocado, or a fried egg are all delicious options.
Variations on the Recipe
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of garlic powder, cumin, or paprika for extra flavour.
- Make it vegetarian or vegan: Use vegan butter or ghee and ensure your bread is vegan-friendly.
- Sweet and savoury: Combine elements of both sweet and savoury French toast by adding a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Let's Get into The Recipe : Savoury French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp egg
- 1/2-3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 green chilli, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Bread of your choice (thick slices)
- Ghee or butter, for cooking
Instructions
Prepare the Custard:
In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. This custard mixture will infuse the bread with flavour and provide a moist, tender texture.Soak the Bread:
Dip slices of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated. Allow the bread to soak for a few minutes to absorb the custard’s flavours.Cook the French Toast:
Heat ghee or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place a soaked bread slice on the hot pan.Add Toppings:
Top the bread with chopped onions, tomatoes, and green chillies. The combination of these vegetables adds a burst of flavour, texture, and colour to the French toast.Cook Until Golden Brown:
Cook until golden brown on both sides, flipping carefully to ensure even cooking. The crispy exterior and tender interior are key to a delicious French toast.Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your savoury French toast hot and fresh.
Tips and Variations
Spice it up:
Adjust the amount of green chilli to your desired level of heat. For a milder flavour, use less chilli or omit it altogether.Cheese it up:
Add grated cheese on top for a cheesy twist. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan are all great options.Experiment with toppings:
Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for a nutritional boost. You can also try adding bacon, sausage, or a fried egg for a heartier meal.Bread Options:
While thick-sliced bread is recommended for a classic French toast experience, you can experiment with different types like sourdough or challah to suit your preferences.
Variety of Toppings
French toast can be topped with a variety of sweet and savoury ingredients. Some popular toppings include:
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Jam
- Fruit
- Powdered sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Whipped cream
- Butter
- Cheese
- Bacon
- Eggs
- Avocado
Alternatives to Savory Ingredients
If you’re not a fan of tomatoes, onions, or green chillies, you can substitute them with other vegetables. Some good options include mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. You can also add a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan.
Savoury French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp egg
- 1/2-3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 green chili finely chopped
- 1 tomato finely chopped
- 1 onion finely chopped
- Bread of your choice thick slices
- Ghee or butter for cooking
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Dip slices of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated.
- Heat ghee or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place a soaked bread slice on the hot pan. Top with chopped onions, tomatoes, and green chilies.
- Cook until golden brown on both sides, flipping carefully.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of green chilli based on your spice preference.
- For extra flavour, add grated cheese on top before serving.
- Serve with a side of avocado or a dollop of sour cream.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
- Yes, simply use vegan butter or ghee and ensure your bread is vegan-friendly.
Can I add other spices?
- Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices like garlic powder, cumin, or paprika to enhance the flavour profile.
What can I serve with this French toast?
Enjoy this savoury French toast as a standalone dish or pair it with a side of bacon, sausage, or hash browns for a complete breakfast.
What's the difference between eggy bread and French toast?
- Eggy bread is typically made with just eggs and milk, while French toast often includes additional ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, or vanilla.
