Paneer Vegetable Roti Sandwich Recipe – Easy Indian Street Food

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Paneer Vegetable Roti Sandwich Recipe – Easy Indian Street Food

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good, quick snack that’s bursting with flavour. And honestly, this Paneer Vegetable Roti Sandwich is exactly that! I first made this when I was craving something comforting and a little bit spicy, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. It’s the perfect blend of Indian spices and a familiar sandwich format – 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 flavour explosion! It takes the deliciousness of pav bhaji – that iconic Indian street food – and wraps it up in a warm, comforting roti. It’s super easy to make, perfect for a quick lunch, after-school snack, or even a light dinner. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing sandwiches:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 1 carrot, grated
• 4 tbsp finely shredded cabbage
• ½ capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped
• 3 tbsp sweet corn
• 1 tsp pav bhaji masala
• ½ – ¾ tsp salt (to taste)
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ – 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder (for colour and mild spice)
• 3 tbsp crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
• 2 tbsp tomato sauce
• 1 tsp chilli sauce
• 6 rotis / chapatis
• 3 tsp green chutney
• 3 tsp eggless mayonnaise
• 1 stick cheddar cheese, grated (about ½ cup)
• Butter, as needed

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips to make this recipe shine:

• Pav Bhaji Masala: This is the star of the show! It’s a blend of spices that gives this sandwich its authentic Indian flavour. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or online.
• Roti/Chapati: I prefer using soft, slightly thicker rotis for this sandwich. They hold the filling really well. You can use store-bought or homemade – whatever works best for you!
• Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment! Processed cheese slices melt beautifully, but grated cheddar gives a lovely texture. Mozzarella or even a sprinkle of paneer would also be delicious.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. Heat the oil in a large kadai or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, ginger garlic paste, and green chilli. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and slightly golden – about 3-5 minutes.
2. Now, add the grated carrot, shredded cabbage, chopped capsicum, and sweet corn. Sauté briefly, just for a minute or two, to retain that lovely crunch. We don’t want soggy veggies!
3. Time for the spices! Mix in the pav bhaji masala, salt, turmeric powder, and Kashmiri red chilli powder. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to let the flavours bloom.
4. Stir in the crumbled paneer, tomato sauce, and chilli sauce. Mix everything well until combined. Cook for another minute, then take it off the heat and set it aside. This is our delicious vegetable stuffing!
5. Lay out your rotis. Spread a generous layer of green chutney and eggless mayonnaise on half of each roti.
6. Sprinkle a good amount of grated cheddar cheese over the chutney and mayo.
7. Spoon the vegetable stuffing onto one half of the roti. Fold the other half over to create a sandwich, and press gently to seal.
8. Butter both sides of the sandwich generously. Toast on a tawa (flat griddle) or in a pan over medium heat until golden brown and crisp – about 2-3 minutes per side.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when toasting the sandwiches. Cook them in batches to ensure they get nice and crispy.
• For extra flavour, you can add a sprinkle of chaat masala to the vegetable stuffing.
• If your roti is a little dry, lightly brush it with water before spreading the chutney and mayo.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

• My friend Priya loves adding a layer of sliced onions and tomatoes to her sandwich for extra freshness.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the vegetable stuffing.
• My kids love it when I add a layer of potato chips inside the sandwich for extra crunch!

Vegan Adaptation

Want to make this vegan? No problem!

• Substitute the paneer with crumbled tofu or mashed potatoes.
• Use vegan mayonnaise and ensure your roti doesn’t contain any dairy.
• Skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Gluten-Free Adaptation (using gluten-free roti)

Need a gluten-free option? Simply use gluten-free rotis! There are some great options available in most supermarkets now.

Spice Level Adjustment (using more or less chilli/chilli powder)

Adjust the spice level to your liking! If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of green chilli and Kashmiri red chilli powder. If you like it hot, add more!

Festival Adaptation (potential for a quick snack during Janmashtami or Ganesh Chaturthi)

These sandwiches are perfect for a quick and easy snack during festivals like Janmashtami or Ganesh Chaturthi. They’re filling, flavourful, and require minimal effort!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Paneer Vegetable Roti Sandwiches immediately while they’re warm and crispy. They’re delicious on their own, or you can serve them with:

• Tomato ketchup
• Green chutney
• A side of raita (yogurt dip)

Storage Instructions

These sandwiches are 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 them in a pan or toaster oven to restore their crispness.

FAQs

Is this sandwich suitable for kids’ lunchboxes?

Absolutely! It’s a healthy and delicious option. Just make sure the sandwiches are cooled completely before packing them.

Can I make the vegetable stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The vegetable stuffing can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will save you time when you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.

What is the best type of roti to use for this sandwich?

Soft, slightly thicker rotis work best. They hold the filling well and don’t tear easily.

Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?

Definitely! Mozzarella, processed cheese slices, or even a sprinkle of paneer would be delicious.

How can I adjust the spice level of this sandwich?

Adjust the amount of green chilli and Kashmiri red chilli powder to your liking.