I was originally going to leave this recipe just for my IGTV, but since it was featured in my CNN interview, there has been some hot demand! Everyone is tryna’ get a slice, ha! Get it? Come on, so phunny! But in all seriousness, I’m so happy people are taking more of an interest in a meat-free lifestyle, as well as broadening their understanding of Indian food. I have said this a 100x over and will say it again – Indian food is NOT Chicken Tikka Masala. Indian food is regional. If you’re an Indian person, you generally don’t refer to eating different dishes as “I’m eating Indian Food,” but rather “I’m eating South Indian food today” or “Gujurati food,” “Punjabi food” – so on and so forth. And every Indian family has some of their family staples. Our food is regional, complex, and wonderful.

That being said, this Indian Stuffed French Toast is my vegan re-make of a breakfast that my Mama (uncle) used to make us at my Maa’s bungalow when we visited India every year. It is spicy, fluffy, and would normally be made with eggs. But with the help of JUST eggs, I was able to recreate this deliciousness (this post is not sponsored, I just really like JUST!).

Vegan Indian Stuffed French Toast: (serves 2 or 1 hangry person)

• 4 slices bread, crust trimmed off
• 2 slices vegan cheese of your choice
• 1/2 cup vegan eggs – I used JUST
• 2 green chilies chopped
• 2-3 tbsp fresh coriander chopped
• 1/2 small/medium red onion – diced & sautéed for about 8-10 minutes
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds – ground roughly in mortar & pestle
• salt to taste
• 1 tbsp vegan butter of your choice
• 1/4 wedge of lemon
• chaat masala (optional)
• spicy maple syrup – I used Bushwick Kitchen
• ketchup of your choice for serving

1. Prepare the batter: In a shallow and wide bowl, use a fork to mix together eggs, chillies, coriander, onion, cumin seeds and a pinch of salt. Set aside. Place a slice of cheese in between two slices of bread. Carefully dip into the egg mixture until generously coated on all sides – making sure to dip and coat all side. Set aside on a parchment lined plate. Repeat for other slices.

2. Cook: Heat a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high flame. Put in about 1 tsp of the vegan butter. Once melted and bubbly, add in the french toast. Slightly lower heat, because you want to achieve a nice golden-brown crust, but also melt the cheese in between. Cook about 2-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cheese is melty. Remove and repeat with second french toast.

3. Serve: Place on a platter, and while hot immediately squeeze some fresh lemon juice, sprinkle on chaat masala (if using) so it sticks to the french toast. Serve drizzled with spicy maple syrup and some ketchup on the side.

4: Promptly stuff your face. Nomz!!