Spice up your life with a tasty vegan masala omelet, influenced by the amalgamation of diverse flavors (and traditions) in The Hundred-Foot Journey.
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The Story: The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)
A few *spoilers* ahead!
Adapted from Richard Morais’ 2010 novel of the same, The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014) is a comedy-drama that chronicles one family’s journey from tragedy to triumph. After losing everything in a restaurant fire, the Kadam family must begin again in a new country. Upon settling in Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, they establish Maison Mumbai, only one-hundred feet away from a premier Michelin star restaurant, led by Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren). A culture clash quickly becomes a heated, culinary battle!
With the help of Marguerite, a local chef, Hassan Kadam (Manish Dayal) slowly adapts to a strange new world while building confidence in his culinary gifts.
In response to Hassan’s question about the five basics of French cooking, Marguerite explains, “Of course, but they’re no use in books. You must find them in your heart, and then bring them to your pots. That’s the secret,” (The Hundred-Foot Journey). In other words, rules are meant to be broken. Each and every person has their own special sauce to add.
My Take
Family is at the heart of The Hundred-Foot Journey. No matter what difficulties the Kadam’s face, they always persevere together. Grief, culture shock, language barriers, pride, prejudice, compassion, and forgiveness all play important roles in the story. Through the wins and losses, familial bonds only grow stronger.
As Hassan shares, “Food is memories.” Eating is a multi-sensory experience, layered with complex textures, colors, aromas, and spices. Taste and quality are important, but the right company will enhance any meal.
When I visited my late grandmother in the Czech Republic, we made lasting memories in the kitchen. She taught me how to safely harvest wild mushrooms and blueberries for special recipes. No matter the season, we cooked traditional Czech cookies, crumb cakes, and soups. One day, I hope to pass on her secret recipes to my own children and keep traditions alive.
A Brief History
A masala omelet is found in South Indian cuisine. The main ingredients vary by region but often include eggs, herbs, tomatoes, and spices. Besides being a favorite street food, masala omelets are also popular at home.
The Recipe: Vegan Masala Omelet
A pivotal moment in the film occurs when Hassan cooks a special omelet for Madame Mallory. In order to earn respect—and a coveted spot in her French establishment—he must prove himself by passing this unconventional “entrance exam.” He beats eggs, chili, tomatoes, cilantro, and traditional Indian spices, passed down from his mother. Madame Mallory’s response? Let’s just say, she is utterly floored.
My version of this recipe—a vegan masala omelet—still packs a flavorful punch without the eggs! It includes garam masala and curry powder.
What is garam masala? Translated to “warm spice,” it is an enticing blend commonly found in Indian cuisines. Depending on regional influences, it typically incorporates coriander, cumin, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Initially toasted in a pan to release deep flavors, these ingredients are ground into a fine powder. Compared to garam masala, curry powder contains mild spices including turmeric, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek. Together, they make magic!
Vegan Masala Omelet
Equipment
- Knives
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Spoon
- Wooden Spoons (2)
- Mixing Bowls (2)
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
- Ladle
- Medium Skillet (for veggies)
- Crepe Pan (for omelet)
- Large Skillet (for potatoes)
Ingredients
Omelet
- 2 cups chickpea/garbanzo flour
- 2 cups water (warm)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled & minced)
- 1 large white onion (chopped)
- 1 cup tomatoes or 5 roma tomatoes (diced & de-seeded)
- ½ cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1 4 oz. can mild green chiles (diced)
Potatoes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups frozen hash browns (shredded & thawed)
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Omelet & Vegetables
- Prepare the vegetables and aromatics.
- Oil and heat a medium skillet.
- Sauté the garlic and onion for a few minutes.2 cloves garlic, 1 large white onion
- Add the tomatoes (diced and de-seeded) and cilantro. Cook on medium-high heat until the onions appear translucent.1 cup tomatoes or 5 roma tomatoes
- While your veggies cook, whisk together the chickpea flour and warm water. Incorporate the spices: salt, curry powder, and garam masala. Stir in the baking powder. Set aside for 10 minutes to thicken.2 cups chickpea/garbanzo flour, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon curry powder, ¼ teaspoon garam masala, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Heat a crêpe pan with a drizzle of oil.2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- In a small bowl, add a small portion (¼ cup) of cooked veggies for every ladle of chickpea batter. Mix together well.
- Pour each omelet into the sauté pan and form a circle.
- Cook for 3 minutes on each side or until brown.
- Repeat until all of the batter is used!
- Top with a spoon of mild green chiles and cilantro.1 4 oz. can mild green chiles, ½ cup cilantro
Potatoes
- Thaw your hashbrowns.4 cups frozen hash browns
- On medium-high, heat a large skillet with oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, nutritional yeast, turmeric, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.3 tablespoons nutritional yeast, ½ teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1 teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Add 1-2 cups of the hashbrowns to the oiled skillet. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes. Repeat until all of the potatoes have been cooked.
Notes
- What’s the best way to de-seed tomatoes? Simply scoop out the seeds with a large spoon.
- These mild green chiles are perfect! Not too spicy and not too bland…just right!
- I recommend that you allow the hash browns to thaw before adding spices.
- Read about one family’s traditional Indian or Masala Omelet process here.
Missy
Amazing post! To do a vegan version of this is quite an accomplishment. I can’t wait to try it!
reeldishes
Thank you, Missy! I hope you enjoy this colorful reimagining of a traditional omelet. Spices take it to the next level!