PANEER TIKKA SANDWICHES

Paneer Tikka Sandwiches with Tandoori Mayonnaise are crispy whole grain Indian flavored sandwiches with chunks of vegetables and paneer tikkas nestled in a spicy tandoori mayo sauce, pan grilled to perfection.

10 slices whole grain/whole wheat bread slices

½ cup chopped onions

½ cup chopped green bell peppers/capsicum (or a mix of red and green)

½ cup chopped tomatoes

2 green chilies/jalapenos/Serrano peppers, finely chopped (optional; but is a kicker!)

2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro/coriander leaves

FOR PANEER TIKKAS:

½ cup paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cut into small cubes; you can use tofu too

1 tsp Tandoori Barbeque masala powder (or any tandoori masala powder available or your favorite spice powder)

½ to 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder (more for color than heat); or use paprika powder

Salt to taste

1 tsp oil (any odorless cooking oil)

3 tablespoons butter

FOR TANDOORI MAYONNAISE:

¾ cup mayonnaise (with or without eggs)

1 teaspoon kashmiri red chilli powder (or paprika powder)

½ tsp chaat masala powder (available online or use a some lime or lemon juice)

2 teaspoons Tandoori masala powder (or any curry powder if you cannot find tandoori masala powder)

1 teaspoon tomato ketchup

FOR CILANTRO CHUTNEY:

Handful of cilantro/coriander leaves

Handful of mint leaves

2 to 3 green chilies/Serrano/jalapenos

2 large cloves garlic½ teaspoon cumin seeds

½ lemon juice

Salt to taste

TO PAN GRILL:

½ cup butter (salted or unsalted)

Finely chop bell pepper, tomatoes, onions, green chilies and coriander leaves.

Cut paneer into small cubes.

Add the marinade ingredients – tandoori powder, chili powder, oil and salt.

Mix well and marinate for about 15 minutes.

In a small mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, chaat masala powder, red chili powder, tandoori masala powder and tomato ketchup

Mix well to combine thoroughly. Adjust seasonings according to personal taste. Set aside.

Make a fine paste of a handful of cilantro leaves, mint leaves, 2 to 3 green chilies, 2 cloves of garlic, ½ tsp cumin seeds and salt to taste.

Transfer to a bowl, squeeze in a splash of lemon or lime juice (about 1 to 2 teaspoons) and mix well. Set aside.

Heat a non-stick pan with about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of butter.

Once it melts, add the marinated paneer cubes and saute on medium high heat for a few minutes, stirring often until grilled and toasted.

Remove and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, add the vegetables along with paneer tikka pieces and cilantro.

Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of prepared tandoori mayonnaise

Give it a good mix. Do a taste test and add more mayo if needed.

Heat a large griddle on medium high heat.

While the pan is heating, place 2 slices of bread side by side. Smear some cilantro chutney on one slice. Top with required amount of filling, spreading to cover the slice.

Place the second slice on the filling. Press gently and butter the top bread slice..

Transfer to the heated griddle (buttered side down) and toast or grill, pressing slightly with a flat spatula or sandwich press. You can even use a sandwich maker instead.

When the bottom of the sandwich turns slightly golden brown and crisp, butter the top slice of the sandwich and turn over to grill. Press gently again.

Once both the sides are toasted and grilled to perfection (with a bit of crispiness and color), remove from heat onto serving plate.

Cut each sandwich into 2 or 4 triangles with a super sharp knife.

Serve immediately with more tandoori mayonnaise and green chutney on the side.

Make as many sandwiches as you like (this makes 5 sandwiches) and enjoy these crispy, buttery, lip-smacking Paneer Tikka Sandwiches with Tandoori Mayonnaise along with a cup of chai/coffee or even fresh juice!

I have used whole grain bread here. You can use any favorite bread of your choice.

Adjust the amount of spices and ingredients according to your preference.\

If you like cheese, you can stir in about ¼ cup of cheese (any processed cheese) into the filling mixture.

If you cannot find tandoori masala powder, you can spice up the mayo with red chilli powder, chaat masala powder (or a dash of lemon juice), roasted cumin powder and any garam masala powder you have.

For a quicker version, instead of grilling the paneer, just stir fresh paneer cubes into the mixture.

For chicken lovers, use chicken cubes instead of paneer.

Stir in grated carrots, cabbage etc. in the filling and if you do not like paneer or substitute tofu, just omit it to make a simple vegetable sandwich.