Vegetable Sandwich Recipe – Hung Curd & Italian Flavors

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Vegetable Sandwich Recipe – Hung Curd & Italian Flavors

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for quick, easy, and delicious snacks. And honestly, this Vegetable Sandwich with a creamy hung curd and Italian seasoning twist has become a total staple in my kitchen. It’s perfect for a speedy lunch, a picnic, or even a light dinner. I first made this when I was craving something fresh and flavorful, but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s been a hit ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average veggie sandwich. The hung curd adds a wonderful creaminess without being heavy, and the Italian seasonings give it a lovely, aromatic flavor. It’s super customizable too – feel free to swap in your favorite veggies! Plus, it comes together in under 20 minutes. What’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful sandwich:

• 8 bread slices
• ½ cup hung curd (about 100g)
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• ¼ capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped
• 2-3 tbsp finely chopped cabbage
• 1 small tomato, seeds removed and finely chopped
• Salt, as needed
• Pepper powder or paprika, as needed
• Italian seasonings, optional
• Butter/olive oil/ghee, as needed for toasting

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference!

Hung Curd: The Key to Creaminess

Hung curd is the star of the show! It’s basically yogurt that’s been strained to remove the whey, resulting in a super thick and creamy consistency. It’s similar to Greek yogurt, but you can easily make it at home (more on that in the tips section!).

Vegetable Choices: Freshness & Texture

I love using a mix of crunchy and slightly softer veggies. Carrot and cabbage give a nice bite, while capsicum and tomato add sweetness and juiciness. Feel free to experiment!

Italian Seasonings: A Flavorful Blend

Italian seasoning is a mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. It adds a lovely depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can use a pinch of each herb individually.

Bread Selection: Choosing the Right Slice

I usually go for white bread, but whole wheat or multigrain bread work beautifully too. Just make sure it’s not too thin, or it might get soggy.

Oil/Butter/Ghee: Toasting for Perfection

You can use any of these to toast your sandwich! Butter gives a lovely golden color and flavor, olive oil is a healthier option, and ghee adds a traditional Indian touch.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Prepare the hung curd: If you haven’t already, strain your plain yogurt in a muslin cloth for 3-4 hours until it’s thick and creamy. This is best done ahead of time!
2. Chop the veggies: Finely chop your carrot, capsicum, cabbage, and tomato. The smaller the pieces, the easier it will be to spread the mixture.
3. Combine everything: In a bowl, add the chopped vegetables, hung curd, salt, pepper/paprika, and Italian seasonings (if using). Mix well until everything is nicely combined.
4. Assemble the sandwich: Spread the vegetable and hung curd mixture evenly on one slice of bread. Cover with another slice, and press gently.
5. Toast it up: Lightly butter the outer sides of the sandwich. Heat a tawa (flat griddle) or sandwich maker and toast the sandwich until golden brown and slightly crispy.
6. Serve and enjoy: Cut the sandwich diagonally and serve immediately with your favorite chutney or ketchup. Green chutney is amazing with this!

Expert Tips

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make this sandwich even better:

Achieving the Perfect Hung Curd Consistency

The key is patience! Let the yogurt strain for at least 3-4 hours, or even overnight for a really thick consistency. If you’re short on time, you can gently squeeze out excess water from the muslin cloth.

Preventing a Soggy Sandwich

Make sure your vegetables aren’t too watery. Removing the seeds from the tomato helps a lot. Also, don’t overdo the hung curd – a thin, even layer is best.

Mastering the Toast: Golden Brown Perfection

Don’t crank up the heat too high! Medium heat will ensure the sandwich toasts evenly without burning. Keep a close eye on it and flip it when it’s golden brown on one side.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Vegetable Sandwich

Simply swap the hung curd for a vegan cream cheese or a cashew-based spread. My friend, Priya, swears by a cashew cream she makes herself!

Gluten-Free Vegetable Sandwich

Use your favorite gluten-free bread. There are some really good options available these days.

Spice Level Adjustment: Adding a Kick

Add a pinch of chili powder or a finely chopped green chili to the vegetable mixture for a spicy kick. My family loves a little heat!

Festival Adaptations: A Quick & Easy Snack

This sandwich is perfect for festivals like Janmashtami or Ganesh Chaturthi when you want a quick and easy snack.

Serving Suggestions

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

• A side of fresh fruit salad
• A bowl of creamy tomato soup
• A glass of chilled lemonade or lassi

Storage Instructions

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store the vegetable mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and toast the sandwich just before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is hung curd and how is it different from regular yogurt?

Hung curd is yogurt that has been strained to remove the whey, making it thicker, creamier, and less tangy than regular yogurt.

Can I use store-bought spreadable cheese instead of hung curd?

You can, but the flavor and texture will be different. Hung curd adds a unique tanginess and creaminess that cheese doesn’t quite replicate.

What vegetables can I substitute in this sandwich?

Feel free to use any vegetables you like! Cucumber, beetroot, spinach, or even sweet corn would be delicious additions.

How can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

You can prepare the hung curd and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble the sandwich just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.

Is it possible to grill this sandwich instead of toasting it on a tawa?

Absolutely! You can grill the sandwich on a grill pan or panini press for a lovely smoky flavor. Just make sure to brush it with oil or butter to prevent sticking.

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