Meetha Toast Tadka: French Toast, My Desi Style!

Namaste Doston! Sat Sri Akal! Kem Cho! Vanakkam!

Chef Curry Do’pyaza here, back with another recipe that’s sure to tickle your taste buds and warm your heart! Today, we’re taking a classic breakfast staple, French Toast, and giving it a delightful Indian twist. We call it Meetha Toast Tadka!

This sweet treat is a popular choice in many Indian households, especially amongst our Parsi and Anglo-Indian communities. It’s perfect for lazy Sunday brunches, festive celebrations like Christmas and Easter, or even a quick and satisfying treat during the monsoon season when all you crave is something warm and comforting. I remember Amma making this for us during Diwali, a sweet start to a festival of lights!

A Little History Lesson

While the exact origins of French Toast are a bit hazy, versions of it have been around since the Roman Empire! The idea of soaking stale bread in milk and eggs to revive it is a clever way to avoid food waste, a concept that resonates deeply with Indian values of resourcefulness. Our Meetha Toast Tadka is simply our delicious take on this global favorite.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

Bread Slices (Bread Slices): 6 (white or brown, your choice!)
Doodh (Milk): 1 cup
Anda (Eggs): 2 large
Cheeni (Sugar): 2 tablespoons (adjust to your liking)
Elaichi Powder (Cardamom Powder): ¼ teaspoon
Dalchini Powder (Cinnamon Powder): a pinch (optional)
Ghee (Clarified Butter) or Tel (Oil): For frying

Instructions:

Whisk it Up: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the doodh, anda, cheeni, elaichi powder, and dalchini powder (if using). Make sure the cheeni dissolves completely. This mixture is the magic that will transform your ordinary bread into something extraordinary.
Soak it Good: Gently dip each bread slice into the doodh mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Don’t soak them for too long, or they’ll become soggy! A quick dip is all you need.
Fry it Golden: Heat ghee or tel in a flat pan or tawa over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, carefully place the soaked bread slices on the pan.
Cook to Perfection: Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn!
Serve with Love: Remove the Meetha Toast Tadka from the pan and place it on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess ghee. Serve hot and enjoy!

Chef Curry’s Top Tips:

Use slightly stale bread for the best results. It soaks up the mixture better without becoming mushy.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the toast in batches to ensure even cooking.
Adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can add more or less cheeni as needed.
For a richer flavor, use full-fat doodh.
Add a splash of Gulab Jal (Rose Water) for a fragrant twist.

Cooking Variations:

Gas Stove/Induction Stove: Follow the instructions above using a flat pan or tawa.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soaked bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the soaked bread slices in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Microwave: While not ideal for achieving a crispy texture, you can microwave the soaked bread slices for 1-2 minutes on high.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):

Calories: 250-300
Protein: 8-10 grams
Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
Fat: 10-15 grams

Serving Suggestions:

Dust with Pisi Cheeni (Powdered Sugar) and a sprinkle of Dalchini Powder.
Serve with a dollop of fresh cream or yogurt.
Pair it with fresh fruits like bananas, strawberries, or mangoes.
Drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
Enjoy it with a hot cup of Chai or Coffee.

So there you have it, folks! My simple yet sensational Meetha Toast Tadka. It’s a delightful way to start your day or satisfy your sweet cravings. Now, go ahead and try this recipe at home. I promise you, it’s a winner! Share this delicious recipe with your friends and family.

Meetha Toast Tadka: French Toast, My Desi Style!