Breakfast

Spicy Masala Toast – Indian Street Breakfast

The Spicy Masala Toast is a classic Indian street-style breakfast dish bursting with bold flavors and comforting textures. Made with crispy toasted bread layered with a spicy potato masala filling and topped with green chutney or butter, it’s a true taste of India’s bustling breakfast stalls.

This dish combines everything we love about Indian flavors — the warmth of spices, the tang of chutneys, and the satisfying crunch of toasted bread. It’s a perfect way to start your day or enjoy as a tea-time snack.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Spicy Masala Toast because it’s the ultimate comfort food with a street-food soul. It’s simple to make yet packed with vibrant flavors — every bite delivers a burst of spiced potatoes, onions, chilies, and aromatic coriander.

The combination of buttery toast and flavorful masala filling feels nostalgic — reminding me of Indian railway breakfasts and Mumbai’s local café charm. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try this recipe because:

  • It brings authentic Indian street flavors to your home kitchen.
  • It’s quick, affordable, and filling — ideal for busy mornings.
  • The spicy potato masala is utterly addictive.
  • It pairs beautifully with tea or coffee.
  • It’s vegetarian, satisfying, and easy to customize.

Once you try this masala toast, you’ll crave it every morning!

Preparation & Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

  • Servings: 4 toasts (2 servings)
  • Calories: ~220 kcal per toast

Cuisine & Course

  • Cuisine: Indian (Street Food Style)
  • Course: Breakfast / Snack / Tea-time Dish

Ingredients

For the Masala Filling:

  • 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup grated carrot (optional)
  • ¼ tsp mustard seeds
  • ¼ tsp cumin seeds
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp red chili powder
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp oil or butter
  • 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
  • Juice of ½ lemon

For the Toast:

  • 4 slices of white or brown bread
  • 1–2 tbsp butter or ghee (for toasting)
  • 2 tbsp green chutney (optional)
  • 2 tbsp grated cheese (optional, for cheesy toast version)

Simple Cooking Directions

  1. Prepare the spicy potato masala.
  2. Spread it evenly on bread slices.
  3. Toast or grill until golden brown.
  4. Serve hot with chutney or ketchup.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Masala Filling

  1. Heat oil in a pan on medium flame.
  2. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds; let them splutter.
  3. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
  4. Add green chili and grated carrot (if using); cook for 1 minute.
  5. Mix in turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala.
  6. Add mashed potatoes and salt. Stir well to combine all spices.
  7. Cook for 2–3 minutes, then turn off the heat.
  8. Stir in fresh coriander and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Toast

  1. Spread butter or green chutney on one side of the bread slice.
  2. Spread a generous layer of the prepared masala filling.
  3. Top with another slice (for a sandwich) or leave open-faced for a single toast.
  4. Optionally, sprinkle grated cheese on top for a cheesy twist.

Step 3: Toast or Grill

  1. Heat a tawa (griddle) or sandwich maker.
  2. Grease lightly with butter.
  3. Place the bread (masala side up if open-faced) and toast until golden and crisp.
  4. If making a sandwich, toast both sides until golden brown and crunchy.

Step 4: Serve Hot

Cut diagonally, garnish with a sprinkle of coriander, and serve immediately with green chutney, tomato ketchup, or masala chai.

How to Serve

  • Serve hot as a breakfast or tea-time snack.
  • Pair with spiced chai, coffee, or lassi.
  • Add a side of mint chutney, sweet tamarind chutney, or curd dip.
  • For a party version, cut into bite-sized triangles and serve as finger food.

Additional Recipe Tips

  • Use day-old bread for better crispiness.
  • Add finely chopped capsicum or peas for extra flavor.
  • You can prepare the potato masala in advance and refrigerate it.
  • To make it healthier, use whole wheat or multigrain bread.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of chaat masala before serving for an authentic street-food flavor.

Variations

  • Cheese Masala Toast: Add grated mozzarella or processed cheese before toasting.
  • Paneer Masala Toast: Replace potatoes with crumbled paneer for a protein-rich option.
  • Bombay Sandwich Style: Add cucumber, tomato, and beetroot slices.
  • Masala French Toast: Dip the bread in a spiced egg mixture and pan-fry.
  • Kids’ Version: Reduce chili and add a layer of ketchup or mayonnaise.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:

  • Store leftover potato masala in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
  • Assemble and toast just before serving for the best texture.

Freezing:

  • The masala mixture can be frozen for up to 1 month.
  • Thaw and reheat before using.
  • Avoid freezing assembled toasts, as bread becomes soggy.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Non-stick tawa or griddle
  • Potato masher
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowl
  • Sandwich maker or toaster (optional)

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this toast without potatoes?
Yes, substitute with crumbled paneer, boiled sweet potatoes, or mashed chickpeas.

Q2: Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely — just use oil instead of butter and skip the cheese.

Q3: Can I bake instead of toasting on a pan?
Yes, bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.

Q4: What chutneys pair best with this toast?
Mint-coriander chutney and tamarind chutney are traditional favorites.

Q5: Can I make it less spicy for kids?
Yes, reduce or skip green chili and red chili powder.

Conclusion

The Spicy Masala Toast is the essence of Indian street breakfast — simple ingredients, big flavors, and comforting warmth. With its crispy toasted bread and aromatic spiced potato filling, this dish captures the joy of Indian mornings in every bite.

It’s hearty, satisfying, and endlessly customizable — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick snack. Pair it with a hot cup of chai, and you’ve got a plate full of happiness!

Spicy Masala Toast – Indian Street Breakfast

Recipe by Rhonda AndersonCourse: BreakfastCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Total time

35

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Masala Filling:

  • 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1 green chili, finely chopped

  • ¼ cup grated carrot (optional)

  • ¼ tsp mustard seeds

  • ¼ tsp cumin seeds

  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder

  • ½ tsp red chili powder

  • ½ tsp garam masala

  • Salt to taste

  • 1 tbsp oil or butter

  • 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

  • Juice of ½ lemon

  • For the Toast:

  • 4 slices of white or brown bread

  • 1–2 tbsp butter or ghee (for toasting)

  • 2 tbsp green chutney (optional)

  • 2 tbsp grated cheese (optional, for cheesy toast version)

Directions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Masala Filling : Heat oil in a pan on medium flame. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds; let them splutter. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add green chili and grated carrot (if using); cook for 1 minute. Mix in turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. Add mashed potatoes and salt. Stir well to combine all spices. Cook for 2–3 minutes, then turn off the heat. Stir in fresh coriander and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.
  • Step 2: Assemble the Toast : Spread butter or green chutney on one side of the bread slice. Spread a generous layer of the prepared masala filling. Top with another slice (for a sandwich) or leave open-faced for a single toast. Optionally, sprinkle grated cheese on top for a cheesy twist.
  • Step 3: Toast or Grill : Heat a tawa (griddle) or sandwich maker. Grease lightly with butter. Place the bread (masala side up if open-faced) and toast until golden and crisp. If making a sandwich, toast both sides until golden brown and crunchy.
  • Step 4: Serve Hot : Cut diagonally, garnish with a sprinkle of coriander, and serve immediately with green chutney, tomato ketchup, or masala chai.