Besan bread toast, a popular Indian snack, has been a staple in many households for years. This mouth-watering dish is made with besan (gram flour), bread, and a blend of spices, which gives it a unique flavor and texture. While it’s easily available in restaurants and cafes, making besan bread toast at home is a simple and rewarding process that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make besan bread toast at home, along with some valuable tips and variations to enhance your cooking experience.
Understanding the Ingredients and Their Significance
Before we dive into the recipe, it’s essential to understand the ingredients used in making besan bread toast and their significance in the dish.
The Role of Besan (Gram Flour)
Besan, also known as gram flour, is a type of flour made from ground chickpeas or chana dal. It’s a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine and is used in a variety of dishes, including snacks, curries, and desserts. Besan is rich in protein, fiber, and nutrients, making it a healthy alternative to refined flours. In the context of besan bread toast, besan serves as a binding agent and adds texture and flavor to the dish.
The Importance of Bread
Bread is the base ingredient in besan bread toast, and its quality can make or break the dish. It’s essential to choose a bread that’s fresh, soft, and has a mild flavor. You can use any type of bread, such as white bread, whole wheat bread, or even multigrain bread. However, it’s recommended to use a bread that’s not too dense or heavy, as it can make the dish difficult to cook.
The Blend of Spices
The blend of spices used in besan bread toast is what gives it a unique flavor and aroma. The most common spices used in this dish include cumin seeds, coriander seeds, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. These spices not only add flavor but also have various health benefits, such as aiding digestion and boosting immunity.
The Step-by-Step Recipe for Besan Bread Toast
Now that we’ve understood the ingredients and their significance, let’s move on to the step-by-step recipe for besan bread toast.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups besan (gram flour)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 4 slices of bread
- Chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the besan, water, salt, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. The mixture should be smooth and free of lumps.
- Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Brush the pan with butter or oil to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Dip each slice of bread into the besan mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Place the coated bread slices on the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat the process with the remaining bread slices.
- Serve the besan bread toast hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or scallions.
Tips and Variations to Enhance Your Besan Bread Toast
While the basic recipe for besan bread toast is simple, there are several tips and variations that can enhance the dish and make it more interesting.
Adding Vegetables
You can add various vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes, to the besan mixture to add texture and flavor. Simply chop the vegetables finely and mix them into the besan mixture before coating the bread.
Using Different Types of Bread
While white bread is the most commonly used bread in besan bread toast, you can experiment with different types of bread, such as whole wheat bread, multigrain bread, or even gluten-free bread.
Adding Cheese
If you’re a cheese lover, you can add grated cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to the besan mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Using Herbs and Spices
You can experiment with different herbs and spices, such as dried herbs, garlic, or ginger, to add more flavor to the besan bread toast.
The Benefits of Making Besan Bread Toast at Home
Making besan bread toast at home has several benefits, including:
Customization
When you make besan bread toast at home, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add or subtract ingredients, experiment with different spices, and use various types of bread.
Health Benefits
Besan bread toast is a healthy snack option, especially when made with whole wheat bread and a blend of spices. The besan provides protein and fiber, while the spices aid digestion and boost immunity.
Cost-Effective
Making besan bread toast at home is cost-effective, as you can buy the ingredients in bulk and make a large batch of the dish.
Convenience
Besan bread toast is a convenient snack option, as it can be made in just a few minutes and served hot.
Conclusion
Besan bread toast is a delicious and healthy snack option that can be made at home with ease. With its unique flavor and texture, it’s a perfect dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. By following the step-by-step recipe and tips outlined in this article, you can make besan bread toast at home and enjoy its numerous benefits. So, go ahead and give it a try!
What is Besan Bread Toast and how is it different from regular bread toast?
Besan bread toast is a popular Indian snack made with besan (gram flour) and bread. It is different from regular bread toast in terms of its ingredients and preparation method. Unlike regular bread toast, which is made with wheat flour, besan bread toast uses gram flour as the main ingredient, giving it a unique taste and texture.
The use of gram flour also makes besan bread toast a healthier option compared to regular bread toast. Gram flour is rich in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious snack option. Additionally, besan bread toast is often made with spices and herbs, which add to its flavor and aroma.
What are the ingredients required to make Besan Bread Toast at home?
To make besan bread toast at home, you will need a few simple ingredients. These include gram flour (besan), bread, onions, tomatoes, green chilies, ginger, garlic, cumin seeds, coriander leaves, and spices like turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. You will also need oil or butter for toasting the bread.
You can also customize the ingredients according to your taste preferences. For example, you can add cheese or paneer to make it more creamy, or use different types of bread like whole wheat or white bread. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of spices and herbs according to your taste.
How do I prepare the besan mixture for the bread toast?
To prepare the besan mixture, you need to mix gram flour with water to form a smooth batter. The batter should be free of lumps and should have a thick consistency. You can also add spices and herbs to the batter to give it flavor.
Once the batter is ready, you can add chopped onions, tomatoes, and green chilies to it. Mix well to combine. You can also add a pinch of salt to taste. The besan mixture is now ready to be applied to the bread slices.
How do I toast the bread for Besan Bread Toast?
To toast the bread, you can use a toaster or toast it on a non-stick pan. If using a toaster, simply place the bread slices in the toaster and toast until crispy. If using a pan, heat a non-stick pan with a little oil or butter and place the bread slices on it. Toast until the bread is crispy and golden brown.
Once the bread is toasted, you can apply the besan mixture to it. Make sure to apply an even layer of the mixture to the bread slices. You can also add a sprinkle of cheese or coriander leaves on top of the besan mixture for extra flavor.
Can I customize Besan Bread Toast according to my taste preferences?
Yes, you can customize besan bread toast according to your taste preferences. For example, you can add cheese or paneer to make it more creamy, or use different types of bread like whole wheat or white bread. You can also adjust the amount of spices and herbs according to your taste.
Additionally, you can add other ingredients like chopped vegetables or meat to the besan mixture to give it more flavor. You can also use different types of oil or butter to toast the bread, depending on your preference.
How do I serve Besan Bread Toast?
Besan bread toast can be served as a snack or as a side dish with meals. You can serve it hot or cold, depending on your preference. It is best served with a cup of tea or coffee, or with a glass of juice.
You can also serve besan bread toast with a dollop of yogurt or raita to balance out the spices. Additionally, you can serve it with a side of salad or soup for a more filling meal.
Can I store Besan Bread Toast for later use?
Yes, you can store besan bread toast for later use. Once the bread toast is ready, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. You can also freeze it for up to a week.
To reheat the bread toast, simply place it in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds. You can also reheat it on a non-stick pan with a little oil or butter. Make sure to reheat it until crispy and golden brown.