Iyengar Bakery Style Masala Bread Recipe: A Nostalgic Bangalore Delight
The Iyengar Bakery Style Masala Bread is a flavorful and spicy open sandwich that has become a popular snack in Bangalore. With its origins deeply rooted in the city’s vibrant street food culture, this dish brings back fond memories of the iconic Iyengar Bakery located in the bustling Gandhi Bazaar area of Basavangudi. The bakery, which opens promptly at 4 p.m. daily, serves a wide array of freshly baked goods that draw long lines of eager customers. This recipe is a tribute to the unforgettable masala bread served there—a perfect combination of crisp toasted bread topped with a savory, spiced vegetable filling.
Cuisine: Karnataka
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Iyengar Bakery Style Masala Bread
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Brown Bread | 5 slices |
| Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies (finely chopped) | 3 |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1/2 |
| Tomato (deseeded, finely chopped) | 1 |
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/ Muttaikose) | 1 cup (finely chopped) |
| Carrots (Gajjar, grated) | 1 cup |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum, finely chopped) | 3/4 cup |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chaat Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Tomato Ketchup | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves (finely chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 0 mins
Cooking Time: 25 mins
Instructions
-
Prepare the Topping:
- Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to crackle for a few seconds, releasing their aroma.
- Add the finely chopped onions, green bell peppers, grated carrots, finely chopped cabbage, and green chilies to the pan. Sauté these ingredients until the onions soften, and the vegetables become tender.
- Next, add the deseeded and finely chopped tomatoes. Continue sautéing until the tomatoes soften and integrate with the other vegetables.
- Stir in the salt, red chili powder, and chaat masala. Allow the mixture to cook at low heat, ensuring the spices are well incorporated and the flavors meld together. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Finally, stir in the tomato ketchup and cook for another minute on low heat to combine everything. Once done, turn off the heat, and set the filling aside.
-
Toast the Bread:
- Grease a cast-iron skillet with butter or ghee and preheat it over medium heat.
- Spread a thin layer of butter or ghee over one side of each bread slice. Place the buttered side down on the skillet.
- Spread more butter or ghee on the top side of the bread.
- Toast the bread until it becomes golden brown and crisp on both sides. This will take about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the toasted bread slices from the skillet and repeat the process for the remaining bread slices.
-
Assemble the Masala Bread:
- Arrange the toasted bread slices on a serving platter.
- Spoon the prepared vegetable masala topping generously over each slice of toasted bread.
- Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves to add a fresh, herbal note.
-
Serve:
- Serve the Iyengar Bakery Style Masala Bread hot as a delightful appetizer, tea-time snack, or even as a packed lunch for kids. The spiced vegetable topping pairs beautifully with the crispy bread, making it a truly satisfying snack.
Allergen Information:
- Contains gluten (from the whole wheat brown bread).
- May contain traces of mustard and other allergens depending on the oil and preparation method used.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian
- Suitable for vegans if butter is substituted with a plant-based alternative.
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bread.
Tips & Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies based on your preferred spice level. You can even add a pinch of garam masala for an extra depth of flavor.
- Veggies: Feel free to customize the topping by adding vegetables like peas, corn, or even boiled potatoes.
- Cheese: If you prefer a cheesy version, top the bread with some grated cheese before serving. The meltiness will complement the spicy topping beautifully.
Conclusion:
The Iyengar Bakery Style Masala Bread is more than just a snack—it is a delicious slice of Bangalore’s culinary culture, offering a perfect balance of spice, tang, and crunch. Whether you enjoy it as a quick bite or a hearty tea-time treat, this recipe captures the essence of the beloved masala bread from one of the city’s most cherished bakeries. Give this recipe a try, and bring the taste of Bangalore right to your home with each flavorful bite.
