Vegan French Toast

When you think of French toast, your mind probably goes straight to the sweet, maple-syrup-drenched version. But in my kitchen, we like to mix things up—and nothing beats the flavor punch of savory Vegan French Toast infused with Indian spices.

This recipe is inspired by the vibrant breakfasts I enjoyed during trips to Mumbai, where street vendors serve up sizzling, spicy delights in minutes. Using gram flour (besan) as a base, combined with onions, green chili, and aromatic spices like turmeric and red chili, this dish is quick, healthy, and totally plant-based.

The best part? It takes just 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes to cook—perfect for a lazy brunch, a light lunch, or even a simple dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan French Toast

• Fast & easy: Ready in just 20 minutes.
• Flavor-packed: Savory spices, fresh herbs, and zingy aromatics.
• Wholesome: High in plant-based protein and totally dairy- and egg-free.
• Versatile: Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• ¼ cup besan (fine gram flour)
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Oil for cooking
• 2 slices of firm bread (hearty white works best)

Equipment

• Non-stick pan

Instructions

1. Make the Batter

• Add the besan (gram flour) to a wide mixing bowl.
• Break up any lumps, then add half the water and whisk to form a smooth paste.
• Add the remaining water to make a flowy batter.
• Stir in salt, turmeric, green chili, ginger & garlic paste, onions, and cilantro. Mix well.
• For an extra kick, sprinkle in red chili flakes (optional).

2. Soak the Bread

• Dip a slice of bread into the batter.
• Press down with a spoon to help it absorb the mixture, flip, and coat the other side.
• Spoon a little extra batter on top to make sure it’s well covered.

3. Cook the French Toast

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of oil.
• Place the soaked bread onto the skillet and spoon 1–2 spoonfuls of extra batter on top.
• Cook for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.

4. Flip & Finish

• Carefully flip the bread and cook for another 3–4 minutes, adding a bit more oil around the edges for a crisp finish.
• Repeat with the second slice of bread.

5. Serve Hot

Enjoy your savory Vegan French Toast hot and fresh with ketchup, green chutney, sriracha sauce, or a steaming cup of ginger chai.

Tips & Variations

• Bread matters: Use sturdy bread like hearty white or sourdough; avoid soft sandwich bread that might get too soggy.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread to make the whole dish gluten-free.
• Add veggies: Mix grated carrot or spinach into the batter for extra nutrition.
• For extra crispiness: Toast the bread lightly before dipping into the batter.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~155 kcal
• Protein: ~5g
• Fiber: ~2g

Other Plant-Based Recipes to Try

• Vegan Chickpea Pancakes
• Easy Vegan Chana Masala
• Indian Spiced Lentil Soup
• Crispy Tofu Stir Fry

Final Thoughts

This savory Vegan French Toast is the perfect way to spice up your breakfast or brunch routine. It’s simple, flavorful, and gives a nod to the comforting, spicy dishes of Indian street food. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a new twist on a classic, this recipe is a total win!