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Fig Leaf French Toast (vegan)

A fragrant fig leaf-infused custard is used to soak stale bread which is then pan fried until golden. The fig leaf gives this a coconut-like fragrance which is delicious and unique.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine French
Keyword brunch, dairy free, egg free, fig leaf, french toast, vegan
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Other time: 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  • 5 to 6 fresh fig leaves washed and dried
  • 240 ml (1 cup) non-dairy milk I like oat milk
  • 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla paste or extract
  • pinch salt
  • 8 slices stale, sliced bread (or around 12 slices of baguette)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
  • 2 tbsp vegan butter for frying

Instructions

  • Remove the long stem from the fig leaves. Add to a large frying pan and 'toast' the leaves over a high heat, turning occasionally, until they curl up and seem dry/crisp. Remove from the heat.
    5 to 6 fresh fig leaves
  • Place the milk into a small pot. Cut the fig leaves into small pieces and add to the pot, pushing down to submerge them in the milk.
    240 ml (1 cup) non-dairy milk, 5 to 6 fresh fig leaves
  • Place the pot over a medium heat on the stove and warm the milk until just steaming. Remove from the heat and leave to steep for 15-30 minutes.
  • Strain the milk into a wide, shallow dish, catching the fig leaves and discarding them. To the milk, whisk in the cornflour, maple syrup, vanilla and salt.
    2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch), 1 tbsp maple syrup, pinch salt, 1 tsp vanilla paste or extract
  • Dip each piece of bread into this mixture, turning to coat, and allowing it to sit in the liquid for ~20 seconds to get nicely soaked.
    8 slices stale, sliced bread
  • Heat half of vegetable oil and butter in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Once hot, add the soaked bread slices, fitting in as many as you can. Leave to cook until golden underneath then flip and let cook until the other side is golden. Repeat with any remaining slices of bread, adding more oil & butter to the pan as needed.
    2 tbsp vegetable oil, 2 tbsp vegan butter
  • Serve the french toast warm with berries, dairy-free yoghurt and maple syrup. You can also sprinkle on a bit of granola for crunch.

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