Spicy Toast

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  • Serves: 2 people
  • Cooking: 10 minutes
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A quick and flavorful breakfast, Spicy Toast is Kerala's answer to the classic bread and egg combo.

Soft, buttery slices of bread are pan-toasted with a spiced mix of egg, onion, tomato, and coriander.

This dish is simple, fast, and endlessly adaptable. Whether made for breakfast, lunchbox, or tea-time, spicy toast is that everyday favorite

Spicy Toast Audio Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Chop the tomato, onion, green onion, and coriander leaves into small pieces.
  2. In a bowl, combine the chopped vegetables with the egg, a splash of milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Heat a pan and add a little ghee.
  4. Once the ghee is hot, pour the vegetable and egg mixture into the pan, spreading it out evenly
  5. Cook the mixture on one side until it’s golden and cooked through, then flip to cook the other side.
  6. Once fully cooked, remove from the pan and serve.

Cooking Tips

• Chop vegetables finely for even cooking and better distribution across the toast.

• Use ghee or butter for rich flavor.

• Toast on medium-low heat to ensure the egg cooks through without burning the bread.

• If your egg mixture is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or milk to dilute it.

How to Serve

Chilli Sauce or Ketchup

Kerala Milk Tea or Filter Coffee

Cut into Triangles or Strips

The Story Behind Spicy Toast

Spicy Toast was one of the first things I learned to make on my own. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to surprise my mother. I remember sneaking into the kitchen, breaking an egg like I'd seen her do, and chopping onions with all the concentration of a chef in a five-star hotel.

The result was messy with unevenly browned bread, and probably too much pepper. But when I handed her the plate, that toast, despite its imperfections, tasted perfect for her.

In Kerala homes, spicy toast is a go-to dish for busy mornings, PG kitchens, and Sunday breakfasts where no one wants to make dosas or chapatis.

The recipe likely evolved from Anglo-Indian influences, but local touches like green chilli, coriander, and ghee have transformed it into something uniquely ours.

What is Spicy Toast?

Unlike heavier and more indulgent snacks, Spicy Toast is light, flavourful, and perfect for an afternoon tea or light breakfast.

The crispy bread base is topped with a vibrant mix of onions, green chilies, ginger, garlic, and a dash of aromatic spices that create a fiery yet balanced tang. The heat from the spices is mellowed by the fresh, crispy bread, making it an easy-to-eat delight.

Spicy Toast is especially popular during monsoons, when the weather makes you seek comforting and warm snacks.

Whether made by mothers for their school-going kids, or bachelors figuring out breakfast with the last egg in the fridge, spicy toast is reliable, fast, and deeply comforting. It's not fancy, but it always delivers.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use slightly thick bread slices – White sandwich bread or milk bread works best.

Whisk the egg mixture well – A fluffy, well-blended mix spreads more evenly and cooks better. Don't leave streaks of unblended yolk.

Grease the pan lightly but evenly – A teaspoon of ghee or butter per toast slice is ideal.

Cook on medium heat– Too high and the outside browns before the inside sets. Too low and the bread may become soggy.

Press lightly after flipping – Once you flip the toast, gently press down with a spatula. This ensures the egg adheres fully and cooks through the center.

Let the toast rest for 30 seconds before serving – This helps it set and gives you cleaner cuts if you're slicing it for kids.

Season as you go – Taste a piece from your first batch. If it's bland, adjust seasoning before making the next.

Spicy Toast Variations

  1. Cheese Masala Toast– Add grated cheese on top after flipping for a melty finish.

  2. Chilli Toast – Mix in chopped green chillies or a dash of chilli flakes.

  3. Bread Upma Style – Tear bread into cubes and toss in the egg-veggie mixture instead of keeping it whole.

  4. Boiled Egg Toast – Mash a boiled egg with onion, tomato, and spices for a drier topping.

  5. Masala Toast – Add turmeric, cumin powder, or chaat masala for extra zing.

  6. Sweet & Spicy Toast – A teaspoon of ketchup or tomato sauce in the egg mixture creates a sweet-tangy balance.

  7. Paneer Toast – Crumbled paneer added to the egg mix adds protein and richness.

Diet-Friendly Adaptations

Vegan – Replace egg with flaxegg or spiced besan (gram flour) batter.

Dairy-Free – Use oil instead of ghee or butter, and skip milk.

Low-Carb – Use almond flour bread or keto bread.

Protein-Rich – Add extra eggs or top with cooked legumes like mashed chickpeas.

Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free bread. Ensure it holds shape during toasting.

Storing & Reheating Tips

Make fresh when possible – The toast is best when hot and crisp.

To store: Refrigerate leftover toast in an airtight box for up to 1 day.

Reheat: Toast on a pan with a few drops of ghee or reheat in an oven at low heat. Avoid microwaving as it softens the texture.

Freeze: Not ideal for freezing, as the bread becomes soggy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the pan – Cook one or two slices at a time for even browning.

Undercooked egg – Ensure the pan isn't too hot. Medium heat lets the egg cook properly.

Skipping salt or pepper – These are key to the dish's flavor, so season well.

Thick egg mixture – Make sure the mix is loose enough to coat the bread easily.

Using dry bread – Slightly fresh, soft bread gives a better mouthfeel. Stale bread can harden too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use multigrain or brown bread?

Yes! The flavor will be nuttier, and the texture firmer. Works well for heartier versions.

  1. Can I make it without egg?

Absolutely. Use a spiced gram flour batter (besan) mixed with veggies for a vegan toast.

  1. Is this the same as Bombay Toastor French toast?

No. Both are sweet and made with milk, eggs and sugar. Spicy toast is savory, with onions and spices.

  1. Can I make this in an oven or air fryer?

Yes, you can. Bake at 180°C until both sides are golden, flipping halfway. Air fry at 160–170°C for 8–10 minutes.

  1. Can I pack this in a lunchbox?

Definitely. Wrap it in foil or parchment paper and include a small dip on the side.

Equipment Needed

Frying Pan or Tawa, preferably non-stick or cast iron

Mixing Bowl – For egg and veggie mixture

Whisk or Fork – To beat the egg

Spatula – For flipping the toast

Knife & Cutting Board – For prepping vegetables

Ladle or Spoon – To pour the egg mix neatly

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Author Praya Arun

With a background in culinary studies, Praya has developed a keen understanding of the science behind cooking, nurturing a curiosity about ingredients and their origins. Her travels around the world have broadened her palate and infused her cooking with diverse influences, making each dish a reflection of her experiences and love for food.

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