Paneer Toast Sandwich Recipe – Spicy Indian Street Food

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Paneer Toast Sandwich Recipe – Spicy Indian Street Food

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, satisfying snack that packs a flavour punch. This Paneer Toast Sandwich is exactly that. I first made this when I was craving something spicy and comforting, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. It’s the perfect blend of soft paneer, fiery spices, and crispy toast – seriously, what’s not to love? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a little slice of Indian street food magic you can whip up in your own kitchen. It’s incredibly easy to make, ready in under 20 minutes, and bursting with flavour. Plus, it’s totally customizable – you can adjust the spice level to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a flavourful evening snack, this paneer toast sandwich has you covered.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciousness:

• 1 tsp butter
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped
• Onion, finely chopped (about ½ medium onion)
• 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
• Capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped (about ½ medium capsicum)
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• ½ tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
• 1 tsp chilli powder (adjust to taste)
• Pinch of black pepper powder
• ½ tsp chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp tomato sauce
• 1 cup paneer / cottage cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp coriander, finely chopped
• Bread slices (4-6, depending on size)
• Butter, for toasting
• 4 tsp green chutney

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things will really make this recipe shine:

• Paneer: This is the star of the show! Paneer is an Indian cottage cheese that’s soft, mild, and absorbs flavours beautifully. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or even some well-stocked supermarkets. If you can’t find it, firm tofu (pressed to remove excess water) can work in a pinch, though the texture will be different.
• Chilli Powders: We’re using a combination of chilli powder and chilli flakes for a complex heat. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your spice preference. Kashmiri chilli powder will give you a vibrant colour with milder heat.
• Fresh Coriander: Don’t skimp on the coriander (cilantro)! It adds a lovely freshness that balances the spices. It really brightens up the whole sandwich.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Heat 1 tsp butter in a pan. Sauté the chopped chilli until it releases its aroma.
2. Add the chopped onion and ginger garlic paste. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant – about 2-3 minutes.
3. Mix in the chopped capsicum and sauté for another minute. You want it slightly softened, but still with a bit of crunch.
4. Add the chopped tomato and cook until it becomes soft and pulpy.
5. Now for the spices! Stir in the turmeric, chilli powder, black pepper, chilli flakes, and salt.
6. Cook the spices on low heat for about 30 seconds, until they become aromatic. This step is key to unlocking their full flavour.
7. Add the tomato sauce and mix well, ensuring everything is nicely combined.
8. Fold in the grated paneer and chopped coriander. Give it a gentle mix and set the mixture aside.
9. Butter both sides of the bread slices. This is what gives them that golden, crispy texture.
10. Toast the bread on a tawa (flat griddle) or in a pan until golden brown and slightly crispy.
11. Spread green chutney on one side of each toasted bread slice.
12. Top with 2 tbsp of the paneer mixture evenly.
13. Cut the toast into halves and serve immediately with extra tomato sauce for dipping!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the vegetables. Work in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly.
• Grate the paneer instead of crumbling it. This helps it bind better with the other ingredients.
• For extra flavour, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the paneer mixture.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the butter for a plant-based butter alternative and use a vegan paneer substitute. There are some great options available now! My friend, Priya, swears by the tofu-based paneer.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use your favourite gluten-free bread.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chilli powder and chilli flakes to control the heat. My family prefers a milder version, so I usually reduce the chilli powder to ½ tsp.
• Quick Weekday Version: Use pre-made ginger-garlic paste to save time. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights!

Serving Suggestions

This paneer toast sandwich is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to complete the meal:

• Serve with a side of ketchup or mint chutney.
• Pair it with a cup of masala chai for the ultimate Indian snack experience.
• Enjoy it as part of a light lunch with a side salad.

Storage Instructions

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the paneer mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before assembling the sandwiches.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this sandwich suitable for kids? You can definitely make it kid-friendly by reducing or omitting the chilli powder and flakes.
• How can I make the paneer mixture ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• What type of bread works best for this recipe? White bread is traditional, but you can use whole wheat, multigrain, or any bread you prefer.
• Can I air fry the toast instead of using a tawa? Yes, you can! Air fry the buttered bread slices at 180°C (350°F) for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown.
• What is a good substitute for green chutney? Mint chutney or even a simple mixture of chopped green chillies, coriander, and lemon juice will work well.

Enjoy making (and eating!) this delicious Paneer Toast Sandwich. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!