The Veg Cheese Grilled Sandwich is a delightful and quick snack that has won hearts across India. Whether you’re in the mood for a light lunch, a quick breakfast, or a midnight snack, this sandwich fits the bill perfectly. It’s crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with the goodness of fresh vegetables and melting cheese. The best part? You don’t need a fancy sandwich maker to whip this up – just your trusty tawa (griddle) will do!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
To make a Veg Cheese Tawa Grilled Sandwich, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For Green Chutney:
- Curry leaves: 2 strings
- Green chilis: 2-3
- Coriander Leaves: Handful
- Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Salt to taste
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
For Sandwich:
- Bread slices: 4 slices (white, brown, or multigrain)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (softened, for spreading)
- Cheese: 1 cup (grated, preferably cheddar or mozzarella)
- Cheese slice: 2
- Mixed vegetables: 1 cup (finely chopped, including onions, tomatoes, capsicum, carrots, cucumber, etc.)
- Tomato ketchup: 2 tablespoons (optional)
- Mayonnaise: 1 Tablespoon (optional)
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Red chili flakes: 1 teaspoon (optional, for extra spice)
Step by Step Recipe for Veg Cheese Grilled Sandwich
- Preparing the green chutney: In a grinder take a handful of curry leaves, green chilis, coriander leaves, cumin seeds, salt and sugar. Make a fine paste. Add some water if required.
- Preparing the Ingredients:
- Start by finely chopping all your vegetables. Make sure they are of similar sizes for even cooking. Add oregano and mayonnaise.
- Grate the cheese on top of it and mix everything well.
- Assembling the veg Cheese Grilled Sandwich:
- Take two slices of bread and spread a generous amount of green chutney on one side of each slice.
- Add a layer of vegetables on top of the chutney.
- Sprinkle chaat masala, salt, and pepper over the vegetables.
- Cover it with a cheese slice.
- If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle some red chili flakes.
- Take the second slice of bread. Spread tomato sauce over it. Cover the cheese slice with this bread slice with the tomato sauce from inside.
- Add butter from outside on the top slice.
- Grilling the Sandwich on a Tawa:
- Preheat your tawa over medium heat.
- Flip and place the assembled sandwich on the tawa and press it down gently with a spatula. Now apply butter to the flipped side of the sandwich bread.
- Cook the sandwich on medium heat until the bread turns golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side until it is equally golden and the cheese has melted.
- Remove the sandwich from the tawa and let it cool for a minute.
- Serving the Sandwich:
- Slice the sandwich diagonally or into halves.
- Serve it hot with tomato ketchup, green chutney, or any dip of your choice.
Tips for Perfection
- Cheese Selection: Use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for a perfect blend of flavor and gooeyness.
- Bread Choice: For a healthier version, opt for multigrain or whole wheat bread.
- Cooking Time: Cook on medium heat to ensure the bread crisps up without burning while giving the cheese enough time to melt.
- Even Cooking: Press the sandwich lightly while grilling to ensure even cooking and melting of the cheese.
- Extra Crispiness: You can spread a little mayonnaise on the bread before grilling for an extra crispy exterior.
Serving Suggestions
- With Dips: Pair your Veg Cheese Grilled Sandwich with mint chutney, tangy ketchup, or spicy sriracha sauce.
- Side Salad: Serve with a light cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Beverages: A cold glass of lemonade or a warm cup of masala chai goes perfectly with this cheese grilled sandwich.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overstuffing: While it’s tempting to add more fillings, overstuffing can lead to a messy sandwich with uncooked veggies.
- Butter Application: Not spreading butter evenly on the bread can cause uneven grilling.
- Heat Management: Cooking on high heat may burn the bread without melting the cheese. Stick to medium heat for best results.
- Skipping Preheating: Always preheat your tawa to avoid a soggy cheese grilled sandwich.
History and Origin
Cheese Grilled sandwiches have a rich history, with variations found in many cultures. The concept of placing ingredients between bread slices and grilling them dates back centuries, with the French croque-monsieur being one of the earliest examples. In India, the Veg Cheese Tawa Grilled Sandwich has become a street food staple, particularly in cities like Mumbai, where street vendors serve them with a variety of chutneys and spices. The adaptation to the tawa, rather than a sandwich maker, makes it accessible to everyone, preserving its authentic taste.
Health Benefits
- Vegetable Goodness: This veg cheese grilled sandwich is packed with a variety of vegetables, offering vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Cheese Benefits: While cheese adds richness, it also provides calcium and protein. Opt for low-fat cheese if you’re watching your calories.
- Whole Grains: Using whole grain bread increases fiber intake, aiding in digestion and keeping you fuller longer.
Variations of cheese grilled sandwich
- Paneer Addition: Add crumbled paneer for an Indian twist.
- Spicy Masala: Mix the vegetables with a spicy masala for a more intense flavor.
- Vegan Option: Replace cheese with vegan cheese and butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Sweet and Savory: Add thin slices of apple or pear for a sweet contrast to the savory cheese.
Regional Cuisines
- Mumbai Style: In Mumbai, street vendors add special spice mixes and a unique chutney, making their version famous.
- South Indian Twist: Some variations include coconut chutney or curry leaves for a South Indian flavor.
- Global Influence: You might find similar sandwiches worldwide, like the American grilled cheese, but with regional ingredients like jalapeños or sun-dried tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use any type of bread for this cheese grilled sandwich?
- Yes, you can use white, brown, multigrain, or even sourdough bread depending on your preference.
- How can I make this cheese grilled sandwich healthier?
- Use whole grain bread, low-fat cheese, and a minimal amount of butter. You can also add more greens like spinach.
- What can I use instead of green chutney?
- If you don’t have green chutney, you can use pesto, hummus, or even a simple garlic butter spread.
- Can I make this sandwich in advance?
- It’s best to enjoy the sandwich fresh. However, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble them just before grilling.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on a tawa or in an oven to regain crispiness before serving.
To know more about Grilled sandwich click here.
Few of our other Trending Recipes:
Misal Pav Recipe: A Spicy Delight from Maharashtra
Pohe Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide