Poetic Eggcellence - Masala Toast

Ah Egg! could thou and I whip up
A delicious meal for evening sup
Would not we have our guests sigh - and say
The golden toast is never enough!

Such literary slaughter! But never you mind, its for a blog event. I first heard of the EoMEoTE event (End of the Month Egg on Toast Extravaganza, phew) through Nupur's blog. One look at this month's theme and I went straight to the crate in the fridge. Poetry!

I made what is commonly called French toast in India. I have no idea why since the original French toast is nothing like this spicy version. Fusion at its best perhaps?

The verse above is a parody of 'The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam' - a poem I chose because it has fond memories attached to it. My best friend and I were really hooked on to this Persian gem during our college years for some reason. Its a lyrical, plain poem that appealed to our young minds I suppose.

MASALA TOAST
(serves 2-3)
6 white or brown bread slices
3 eggs
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1-2 tsp red chilli powder or 1 green chilli chopped fine
1/2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1/2 tsp pepper
some finely chopped cilantro
grated parmesan or any other cheese
salt to taste
oil for frying

Whisk the eggs with all the spices, herbs and cheese. Season to taste. Heat a skillet with olive oil. Dredge a bread slice in batter and shallow fry on moderate heat till golden brown.

Drain excess oil on absorbent paper. Serve with ketchup or chutney.

*For an eggless version, make a batter of chickpea flour (besan) and spices; use cumin-coriander powder instead of cheese.

PS: For those who are interested, here is the original verse (a translation by Edward Fitzgerald) -
Ah Love! could thou and I with Fate conspire
To grasp this sorry Scheme of Things entire,
Would not we shatter it to bits -- and then
Re-mould it nearer to the Heart's Desire!

Tags: indian masala toast breakfast