As weird as this is, yes, we have our own version of French Toast in India. I always thought that this was just a weird family thing – something that my grandmother used to make and that we learnt it from her – but no! While researching a little for this post, I found that there are several versions of Bombay Toast out there, and now I’m really excited to show you my family version.
As easy as French Toast is, this is too. Because it’s exactly like French toast, with the addition of two more ingredients: black pepper and turmeric. Does that sound weird? Let me explain.
I’ve probably already said this before, my mother did not have a lot of rules for us growing up, save a choice few. This was one of them. Always, A-L-W-A-Y-S add black pepper and turmeric when you cook eggs. Why? Read on:
Turmeric
Eggs are prone to Salmonella infections, you’ll never know it until you start showing symptoms, and while it’s easy to avoid infections by cooking the eggs completely, if you are are a runny-yolk person like me, that’s a kinda hard to follow rule. Now, turmeric is a natural antiseptic, and finds its place in so many home remedies for a variety of ailments. Adding them to eggs protects you from potential salmonella poisoning, improves skin and cleans your blood.
Turmeric pimple home remedy: If you have a pimple that you want to get rid off in 1-2 days, mix turmeric powder and a little face wash to form a thick paste and dab onto the pimple. Let it stay for as long as possible (best overnight), and you’ll see that the pimple has dried out in the morning. Repeat until the pimple falls off. No scars, promise!
Black pepper
While egg whites are a great source of daily protein, more than one yolk can get a little ‘fattening’. This is where the black pepper comes in. Black pepper fights fat, making your indulgence a lot less guilty. Often referred to as ‘Black Gold’, it’s been used for centuries in Eastern medicine to fight gastrointestinal issues, inflammation and more. It also has antioxidant properties, if you’re interested in that sorta thing! 🙂 If you catch a cold, or when sick, we were given a hot, peppery stew and it always works wonders. You’d be surprised how comforting hot, steaming, spicy pepper stew is when you’re nose is blocked – melts down the phlegm like fire on ice.
Black pepper home remedy for coughs and cold: If you are constantly coughing up phlegm, unable to sleep, take 1-2 black peppercorns and keep it between your inner cheek and teeth. Don’t bite, just lock it in place with your tongue. Go to bed. Throughout the night, your saliva will breakdown the pepper and deliver small dosages of pipperine and abate your cough slowly, letting you get some much needed sleep.
Have I convinced you on these magical ingredients? Good. Now let’s make some toast!
How does this taste?
Just like French Toast. It’s not going to be spicy, it’s not going to smell like turmeric, if anything, the pepper brings out the ‘cake-like’ flavour very well! Trust me, this would be the healthiest +tastiest French Toast you’ve ever had!
The measurements below serve exactly 1 person, so feel free to scale up. I am not great in math, so I always found it easier to add and multiply than minus or divide. So if you’re like me, multiply away for more people at your breakfast table!
A Kitchen Advisor says
That’s an interesting recipe. Honestly, I didn’t expect neither black pepper nor turmeric in French toast:-) Anyway after your explanation it makes sense. I love easy breakfasts and French toast is one of my favorites. Recently I made it:
https://www.akitchenadvisor.com/how-to-make-french-toast/
Next time I will try a new twist – with black pepper and turmeric. Thank you again for a creative recipe.
Nithya says
Beautiful pictures. My preparation is also similar to yours but I don’t add black pepper and turmeric powder. Next time, I will add a dash of turmeric powder. You can check out my Bombay Toast recipe in http://www.nithyascorner.com/bombay-toast-recipe-indian-french-toast/.
Turmeric Tim says
I’ve been looking for a recipe like this. Turmeric is an incredible superfood, I’d probably use more than a pinch.
Tina Dawson says
Have at it Tim!
amy says
I love turmeric but never really tried that with my French Toast. Will give this one a try!
Amazing photography as always Tina 🙂
Tina Dawson says
Thanks a million Amy! The turmeric in the French Toast – although just a pinch, does wonders to your body. And you won’t even know it’s there, except for the lovely golden color.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
These are so beautiful, and I love that it has some black pepper in it too. i love the pop of raspberries.
Tina Dawson says
Oh thank you so much Dannii!!!
Priyanka @Flavor Quotient says
Hi Tina, discovered your blog through Foodgawker and am so happy i did! Loved it! The pictures are amazing!
Tina Dawson says
Thanks so much Priyanka! You made my day! Happy to connect… heading over to your lovely blog now!
Sara | Belly Rumbles says
What great information about the benefits of turmeric and black pepper. I have never heard of Bombay Toast before, but I am very keen to give it a try next time I am in the mood for French Toast.
Tina Dawson says
You definitely should Sara! It tastes the same and makes the egg a little bit healthier too! It’s a win win!
Brian Jones says
I don’t think and Indian version of a French dish sounds odd at all, there are dishes that have traveled and changed with their travel… This sounds wonderful, intrigued by the flavour of turmeric with fruit but definitely gonna have to give it a try.
Tina Dawson says
Thank you Brian, you are absolutely right! It’s just that I thought it was just something my family did, turns out, it was not! Let me know when you give this a try Brian!
Kushi says
Lovely shot! That looks so beautiful and delicious.
Tina Dawson says
Thanks a lot Kushi!