Kitchen Experiments: Grilled Sandwiches

Dad’s maiden entry into the kitchen was to make grilled sandwiches. Now of course, he is a Master. But the fillings are ever-changing, ever-evolving and a constant source of creative (and culinary) joy.
The best part about these sandwiches is that you’re the boss. Which bread to use, whether or not to butter the bread, the proportions of the ingredients of the filling – are all up to you.
Here are a few very simple yet very tasty filling fillings for grilled sandwiches:

1.Dad’s basic potato-and-chutney filling:
•Spread the bread slice with a thin layer of chutney (fresh grated coconut, green chilies, coriander, salt and sugar ground to a rough paste)
•Sprinkle red chili powder (or paprika) and salt on medium-thick slices of boiled and peeled potato
•Stud the chutneyed bread with potato slices (as many as you like)
•Cover with a second slice of bread and grill in the sandwich toaster/grill till golden brown


2. A’s spinach-corn-cheese-onion filling: (or Makarand Anaspure’s recipe given to me by A)
• Make a thick mattress-like layer of washed-and-finely-shredded spinach leaves on the bread.
• Sprinkle finely chopped onion on top of the spinach
• Stud the onion-and-spinach with boiled corn kernels or raw American corn kernels (incredibly sweet!)
• Sprinkle salt and chaat masala on top of the corn (For those who don’t know what chaat masala is or don’t have access to it, you can use any seasoning you like – mixed dried herbs/paprika/ground pepper/fried chicken seasoning/garlic salt etc etc)
• Top generously with grated cheese (of your choice, softer and creamier the better)
• Cover with another slice of bread and grill till golden brown (the spinach must be nicely wilted and the cheese should have semi-melted)
Cheat Sheet: Mix the spinach, onion, corn, seasonings together to make a nice mix. So making the sandwich is reduced to a 2-step process – generously layer with the filling, and then top with grated cheese


Ingredients for Paneer Toasties and A's corn-and-spinach sandwiches all set out!

2. M’s Paneer Toasties
• Slice some fresh malai paneer (Indian cottage cheese) into medium-thick slices (the slice should be the size of the bread slice)
• Sprinkle red chili powder, freshly ground pepper and salt on both sides of each paneer slice
• Place the seasoned paneer slice on the bread
• Cover with a second slice of bread and grill in the sandwich toaster/grill till golden brown

All of the above taste yummy when served piping hot from the grill with some ketchup and/or mint chutney!

If any of you have such simple-yet-yum recipes for sandwich fillings, please leave them as comments below this post! :)