Mumbai Masala Sandwich Recipe – Quick Tomato & Cheese Toastie

Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

Mumbai Masala Sandwich Recipe – Quick Tomato & Cheese Toastie

Hey everyone! If you’re craving a little taste of Mumbai street food, but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, then this Masala Sandwich is exactly what you need. I first made this when I was a student and wanted something quick, comforting, and bursting with flavour. It’s been a family favourite ever since! This isn’t just a grilled cheese; it’s a flavour explosion in every bite. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mumbai Masala Sandwich is seriously addictive. It’s quick – ready in under 10 minutes! It’s packed with flavour thanks to the vibrant tomato masala and a sprinkle of chaat masala. Plus, it’s super customizable. You can adjust the spice level, swap out the cheese, or even make it vegan. It’s the perfect snack, quick lunch, or even a light dinner.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious sandwich:

• 1 tsp butter
• ?? finely chopped onion
• 2 finely chopped tomatoes (about 200g)
• ?? tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
• 1 tsp pav bhaji masala
• ?? tsp salt (to taste)
• 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander (cilantro)
• Bread slices (4-6, depending on size)
• Green chutney (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tomato slices
• 1 cheese slice (per sandwich)
• Chaat masala (for sprinkling)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Pav Bhaji Masala: This is the star of the show! It’s a blend of spices that gives this sandwich its signature Mumbai flavour. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or online.
• Green Chutney Variations: Feel free to use your favourite green chutney. Some people like it mild, others like it fiery! You can make it with mint, coriander, green chillies, ginger, and lemon juice.
• Cheese Types: In Mumbai, you’ll often find this sandwich made with processed cheese slices (like Kraft). But feel free to experiment! Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of paneer work beautifully.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some magic happen!

1. Heat 1 tsp butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and softened – about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the 2 finely chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook until they become soft and mushy, breaking them down with the back of your spoon. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Now for the flavour! Mix in ?? tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp pav bhaji masala, and ?? tsp salt. Sauté for another minute or two until everything is fragrant and well combined.
4. Stir in 2 tbsp of finely chopped coriander. Give it a good mix, then set the tomato stuffing aside.
5. Butter two bread slices on one side. Spread a generous layer of green chutney on the unbuttered side of each slice.
6. On one slice of bread, layer 1 tbsp of the tomato stuffing, 2 tomato slices, and 1 cheese slice.
7. Sprinkle a little chaat masala over the cheese. This adds a lovely tangy kick!
8. Cover with the second slice of bread (buttered side up!).
9. Grill the sandwich on a pan or in a toastie maker until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey – about 2-3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the onions and tomatoes. This will help them cook evenly and get nicely browned.
• For extra flavour, add a pinch of red chilli powder to the tomato stuffing.
• Press down on the sandwich with a spatula while grilling to ensure even cooking and a nice, crispy exterior.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the butter for vegan butter or oil, use vegan cheese, and ensure your green chutney is vegan-friendly (some contain yogurt).
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use your favourite gluten-free bread! There are some great options available these days.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Love a bit of heat? Add more pav bhaji masala or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tomato stuffing. For a milder sandwich, use less.
• Festival Adaptations: This makes a fantastic quick snack for festivals like Janmashtami or Ganesh Chaturthi. It’s easy to make in larger batches for guests!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Mumbai Masala Sandwich hot, straight off the grill! It’s delicious with a side of tomato sauce or ketchup for dipping. A cup of chai makes the perfect accompaniment.

Storage Instructions

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store the tomato stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before using.

FAQs

What type of bread works best for this sandwich?

White bread is traditional, but you can use whole wheat, multigrain, or any bread you like! Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling.

Can I make the tomato stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making the stuffing ahead of time saves you a lot of time when you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.

What is Pav Bhaji Masala and where can I find it?

Pav Bhaji Masala is a spice blend used in the popular Indian street food dish, Pav Bhaji. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online retailers like Amazon.

Can I use a different chutney instead of green chutney?

Yes, you can! Tamarind chutney or even a sweet mango chutney would be delicious alternatives.

How can I make this sandwich spicier?

Add a pinch of red chilli powder or some chopped green chillies to the tomato stuffing.

Is it possible to bake this sandwich instead of grilling it?

Yes, you can! Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.