- In a mixing bowl, combine paneer, chopped onion, tomato, sweet corn, and capsicum.
- Add pizza sauce and eggless mayonnaise to the bowl. Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Stir in grated cheese, mixed herbs, and chili flakes until well combined.
- Spread butter on one side of a bread slice. Place a generous amount of the stuffing mixture on the *unbuttered* side.
- Top the stuffing with extra cheese and cover with another bread slice. Butter the *outer* sides of the sandwich.
- Preheat a pan or grill. Place the sandwich and cook until both sides turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from heat, cut diagonally, and serve immediately while hot.
- Calories:112 kcal25%
- Energy:468 kJ22%
- Protein:6 g28%
- Carbohydrates:4 mg40%
- Sugar:1 mg8%
- Salt:136 g25%
- Fat:9 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Paneer Pizza Sandwich Recipe – Eggless Indian Street Food
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good quick bite that’s bursting with flavour. And let me tell you, this Paneer Pizza Sandwich is exactly that! It’s a total crowd-pleaser, super easy to whip up, and honestly, it’s become a regular in my kitchen. I first made this when my kids were craving pizza but I wanted something a little different – and it was a hit! It’s the perfect fusion of Indian and Italian flavours, and being eggless makes it a great option for everyone. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Paneer Pizza Sandwich is seriously addictive. It’s got that comforting cheesy pull, the tangy pizza sauce, and the soft, spiced paneer all nestled between perfectly toasted bread. It’s ready in under 10 minutes, making it ideal for a quick lunch, after-school snack, or even a light dinner. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover paneer and veggies!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious sandwich:
- 1 cup paneer, cubed (about 150-200g)
- 2 tbsp onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato, chopped
- 2 tbsp sweet corn
- 2 tbsp capsicum, chopped
- 2 tbsp pizza sauce
- 2 tbsp eggless mayonnaise
- ½ – ¾ cup cheese, grated (about 75-100g)
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
- ½ tsp chilli flakes (or to taste)
- Bread slices (4-6, depending on size)
- Butter, for spreading
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will really elevate your sandwich.
Paneer: Choosing the Right Type & Texture
For this recipe, I prefer using soft paneer. It blends beautifully with the other ingredients and gives a lovely, melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores. If you’re using slightly firm paneer, just crumble it well before adding it to the mix.
Sweet Corn: Fresh vs. Frozen Options
Frozen sweet corn works perfectly well here – it’s what I usually use! Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the stuffing. If you have access to fresh sweet corn, even better! About ½ a cob, kernels removed, will do the trick.
Capsicum (Bell Peppers): Colour Variations & Flavour Profiles
I like to use green capsicum for this sandwich, but feel free to experiment with red, yellow, or orange. They all add a slightly different sweetness and visual appeal.
Eggless Mayonnaise: Homemade vs. Store-Bought
You can definitely use store-bought eggless mayonnaise to save time. However, if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade eggless mayo is so good! There are tons of recipes online.
Mixed Herbs: The Perfect Blend for Indian Palates
I usually use a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme. You can also find pre-mixed Italian herb blends at the supermarket. A little goes a long way!
Chilli Flakes: Adjusting the Spice Level
Chilli flakes add a lovely little kick. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can skip them altogether or use just a pinch. My kids like it mild, so I usually go easy on these.
Bread: Selecting the Best Bread for Sandwiches
I prefer using white bread for this sandwich, but whole wheat or multigrain bread also work well. Just make sure it’s not too thin, or it might get soggy.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get to the fun part!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed paneer, chopped onion, chopped tomato, sweet corn, and capsicum.
- Add the pizza sauce and eggless mayonnaise to the bowl. Mix everything together until all the ingredients are nicely coated.
- Now, stir in the grated cheese, mixed herbs, and chilli flakes. Make sure it’s all well combined – this is where the magic happens!
- Spread a little butter on one side of each bread slice. Place a generous amount of the paneer mixture on the unbuttered side of one slice.
- Top the stuffing with a little extra cheese (because, why not?). Cover with another bread slice, butter-side up.
- Preheat a pan or grill over medium heat. Place the sandwich on the hot surface and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the heat, cut diagonally, and serve immediately while it’s hot and gooey!
Expert Tips
Want to take your Paneer Pizza Sandwich to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tips:
Achieving the Perfect Golden-Brown Crust
Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cooking one or two sandwiches at a time ensures even browning. Also, keep an eye on the heat – you want it medium, not scorching hot.
Preventing a Soggy Sandwich
Make sure your bread isn’t too soft. A slightly firmer bread holds up better to the filling. And don’t overfill the sandwich – a generous amount of filling is good, but too much can make it soggy.
Tips for Evenly Distributing the Filling
I like to use a spoon to spread the paneer mixture evenly across the bread. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavour.
Variations
This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ways to customize it:
Vegan Paneer Pizza Sandwich
Substitute the paneer with crumbled tofu and use vegan mayonnaise and cheese. It’s just as delicious! My friend, Priya, swears by this version.
Gluten-Free Paneer Pizza Sandwich
Use gluten-free bread slices. There are some great options available now!
Spice Level Adjustments: Mild, Medium, and Hot
Adjust the amount of chilli flakes to your liking. For a mild sandwich, skip the chilli flakes altogether. For a medium kick, use ½ tsp. And for a hot sandwich, go for ¾ tsp or even 1 tsp!
Festival Adaptations: A Quick Snack for Celebrations
During festivals, I sometimes add a sprinkle of sev (crispy chickpea noodles) on top for extra crunch and flavour.
Serving Suggestions
This Paneer Pizza Sandwich is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a side of:
- A simple green salad
- A bowl of tomato soup
- A refreshing glass of lemonade
Storage Instructions
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a pan or grill to restore the crispy texture.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
What type of paneer works best for this sandwich?
Soft paneer is ideal, but you can use slightly firm paneer if you crumble it well.
Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Is it possible to bake this sandwich instead of grilling it?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the sandwich for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
What can I substitute for eggless mayonnaise?
You can use a vegan mayonnaise or even a mixture of yogurt and a little mustard.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the pizza sauce?
If the pizza sauce is too sweet for your liking, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of salt to balance the flavours.
Enjoy! I hope you love this Paneer Pizza Sandwich as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!