Of the kind of lunches I dream about, this Pan-Fried Paneer Sandwich is right up at the top. It satisfies like nothing else with its punchy flavours found in Indian food — street food in particular — which instantly make my mouth water.
This Pan-Fried Paneer Sandwich is simple to make, and so incredibly moreish. The caramelized onions and paneer, along with the bright, tangy flavours of pudina (mint) chutney, are a killer combo that will find their way to your heart. Promise. Not to mention, there is crispy, buttery bread involved. Need I say more?
So try this out for lunch, brunch, rainy day late-afternoon snacks (perhaps followed by some sweet Gulgule?) and let me know what you think!
Pan-Fried Paneer Sandwich
Makes 2 sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread, buttered on both sides
- 4 medium-thick slices of paneer
- 1 small/medium-ish onion, sliced
- 1/2 TSP of cumin
- Few pinches of tandoori masala
- Few pinches of chaat masala
- Chili powder, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Mint chutney, for smearing on bread
- Oil for pan
- Chutney/sauce for dipping (optional)
Directions:
- In a frying pan on medium heat, heat up some oil and add cumin seeds, frying for one minute. Add onion and cook until it softens.
- Add slices of paneer and sprinkle seasonings (tandoori and chaat masala, chili powder, salt) on top. I like to do a couple pinches of each per side, making sure not to overdo the salt as the mint chutney will have some too.
- Once paneer is browned on the bottom, flip over and add a couple pinches more of the seasonings. Stir the onions in the meantime so they brown evenly.
- Cook until the paneer and onions are nicely golden brown and caramelized. Transfer this mixture to a plate, and wipe pan.
- In the same pan on medium heat, add 2 slices of bread, toasting one side until golden. Transfer to a plate to start building your sandwich.
- Smear the toasted sides of both bread slices with mint chutney, add 2 slices of paneer and half of the onions, close up the sandwich and return to pan. Cook both sides until golden brown. Repeat for the other sandwich.
- Serve with sauce, if you wish. My favourite is a concoction of imli (tamarind) chutney, Maggi masala chilli sauce, and a hint of mint chutney. Bonus points if you also make fries, sprinkled with chaat masala.
Notes:
- For some extra veg add sliced bell peppers/capsicum along with the onions in the beginning.