Vegan French Toast

Dreamy French Toast that's completely vegan. Made with a gram flour batter and sourdough bread, topped with fresh fruit, oat yoghurt and a drizzle of maple syrup or vegan honey. This is one of those breakfasts I don't make often enough.

This is a very satisfying brunch, especially after todays 12 km Sunday morning walk. It has been the perfect morning for a long walk on the Bath skyline. Blue skies, thousands of white blossoms are starting to appear on trees, and the daffodils and snowdrop flowers are starting to bloom everywhere.

After spending hours outside soaking up the lovely sunshine, it is finally time for an oat latte and some French toast for brunch.

TO MAKE THIS

• You will need a few slices of really good bread. I personally love a rustic sourdough bread, but feel free to use whatever you have available.

• Gram flour, also known as chickpea flour. This thickens the batter and gives it the "coating" around the bread.

• Almond or oat milk. I used an oat-hemp milk today, which worked really well. Feel free to use any milk you like.

• Ground cinnamon, for that warming flavour.

• A good vanilla extract. A little goes a long way.

• Sea salt.... to balance the flavours.

• Fresh fruit, yoghurt and maple syrup or vegan honey to serve

BREAD.

This is a great way to use that day or two old bread.

I find a heartier, firmer bread, such as a sourdough, works best.

If the bread you are using is very stale, simply let it sit in the batter a bit longer to soak up more liquid.

If the bread slices you are using are thin and soft, make sure not to let the bread sit in the batter for too long as the bread might become too soft to use and break.

Depending on the size of the bread slices, you might have to adjust the amount of batter you need.

WHAT IS GRAM FLOUR.

Also know as chickpea flour is made from ground chickpeas. It is high in protein and naturally gluten-free.

THIS DISH IS

• delicious

• filling

• satisfying

• wholesome

• with subtle cinnamon and vanilla flavours

• and perfect for adding whatever toppings you like

THIS WOULD ALSO BE GOOD WITH

• coconut whipped cream and fresh berries

• banana slices and blueberries

• hazelnut spread and banana slices

• berry compote and almond butter

• honey (if eating honey) or jam

• oven-roasted strawberries

• plum or peach compote

• or whatever flavours you like

OTHER BRUNCH /BREAKFAST RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE

cinnamon apple skillet pancake

gingerbread pancakes (vegan)

blueberry baked oats

vegan buckwheat pancakes

mediterranean vegan tart

VEGAN FRENCH TOAST

Dreamy French toast that's completely vegan. Made with a gram flour batter and sourdough bread, topped with fruit, vegan yoghurt and maple syrup. This is one of those breakfasts that I don't make often enough.

Makes: 4 slices

Time: 30 min

INGREDIENTS

• 4 thick slices day-old sourdough bread, or bread of choice

• 2 tbsp gram flour (chickpea flour)

• 110ml almond milk or milk of choice

• pinch of salt

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• vegan butter or coconut oil, for frying

TO SERVE

• plantbased yoghurt

• fresh strawberries (or fruit of choice)

• maple syrup or vegan honey

• ground cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large shallow bowl mix the gram flour, almond milk, salt, cinnamon and vanilla until smooth and well combined.

2. Preheat a pan on medium heat and add a tsp vegan butter or coconut oil.

3. Dip each slice in the batter for about 15 seconds on each side. If the bread is dry leave it a little bit longer.

4. Place the soaked bread in the heated pan and fry on each side for about 2 - 3 minutes or until golden. Repeat until all the slices are done.

5. Serving suggestion: Top with yoghurt, strawberries, a dusting of cinnamon and drizzle with maple syrup.