Chutney Chilli Cheese Toast Recipe
Chutney Chilli Cheese Toast is a delicious and vibrant Indian-style open toast, bursting with a tangy chutney base and topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. Perfect for breakfast or a savory tea-time snack, this recipe brings together the freshness of mint, the heat of green chilies, and the goodness of whole wheat bread. The addition of crunchy vegetables, chili flakes, and the rich flavor of mozzarella makes it an irresistible dish. A cup of hot Masala Chai pairs perfectly with this toast, making it an ideal snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Toast:
- 4 slices Whole Wheat Brown Bread
- 1 Tomato, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum), chopped
- Butter (Salted), as required for spreading
- 1/4 cup Red Chilli Flakes
- Mozzarella cheese, grated (or cheddar cheese)
For the Chutney:
- 1 cup Mint Leaves (Pudina)
- 1 cup Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Ginger Garlic Paste
- 2 Green Chilies, chopped
- 1/4 cup Fresh Coconut, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Powder (Jeera)
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 Lemon Juice
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Method
1. Preparing the Chutney:
- Start by grinding the chutney ingredients: mint leaves, coriander leaves, ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, fresh coconut, cumin powder, and salt. Do this in a mixer grinder, ensuring the paste is smooth. There’s no need to add water—just let the moisture from the fresh ingredients create the perfect consistency.
- Once done, transfer the chutney to a bowl and set it aside.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes. Line a baking tray with foil to prevent sticking and to make cleaning up easier.
3. Preparing the Toast:
- Take the bread slices and cut them into halves or quarters, depending on your preference.
- Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each bread slice. This helps the bread crisp up in the oven and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- Spread a generous teaspoon of the chutney over the buttered side of each bread slice. Ensure the chutney covers the surface evenly for a burst of flavor in every bite.
4. Adding Toppings:
- Top the chutney-coated bread slices with chopped tomato and green bell pepper (capsicum). These vegetables add a crunchy texture and fresh taste to the toast.
- Sprinkle a good amount of red chili flakes for a touch of heat and flavor.
- Finish off by covering the toast with grated mozzarella cheese (or cheddar cheese, depending on your preference).
5. Baking:
- Arrange the prepared bread slices on the baking tray.
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden and crispy around the edges.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the Chutney Chilli Cheese Toast from the oven. Serve hot, alongside a steaming cup of Masala Chai for the perfect tea-time snack.
- For an added treat, serve with Linzer Cookies for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Allergen Information:
- Dairy: The recipe contains mozzarella or cheddar cheese, making it unsuitable for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.
- Gluten: The bread used in this recipe is made from whole wheat, which contains gluten. It is not suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Nuts: The chutney includes fresh coconut, so it may not be suitable for individuals with nut allergies (though coconut is technically a fruit).
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is entirely plant-based, except for the cheese, making it a great option for vegetarians.
- Vegan: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, simply substitute the cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Nut-Free: To accommodate nut allergies, ensure that you use coconut-free chutney or substitute the coconut with a nut-free ingredient like avocado or another leafy green.
Tips and Variations:
-
Chutney Variations:
If you’re looking for a unique twist, you can replace the mint leaves with gongura leaves (red sorrel) for a distinct flavor. This will provide a tangy, slightly sour note to your chutney. -
Cheese Options:
While mozzarella or cheddar are classic choices, you can also experiment with other cheeses such as gouda, parmesan, or even vegan cheese for a different flavor profile. -
Spice Level:
Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili flakes to suit your heat tolerance. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce or omit the chili flakes entirely. -
Toppings:
Feel free to get creative with additional toppings. Try adding olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Chutney Chilli Cheese Toast is a perfect blend of savory, spicy, and cheesy goodness that works well for breakfast, tea-time snacks, or even a light dinner. The fresh chutney gives it an authentic Indian touch, while the crispy bread and melted cheese make it irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a quick snack or a hearty start to your day, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with your favorite tea and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!
