Paneer Sandwich Recipe (2 Versions)

Indian cottage cheese or Paneer is definitely one of the well-known sources of proteins for vegetarians. While it is used to make a number of curries, pakoda, dry preparations, etc, this Paneer Sandwich gives you 2 recipes to make a wonderful snack. There are also other ways to make it, but both these Paneer Sandwich recipes are easy as well as delicious. You can make these for breakfasts, evening snacks or a light lunch or dinner.

A Sandwich Is For Keeps

The whole world loves a sandwich. I mean I really don’t think that I’ve ever come across a person who feels otherwise for a sandwich.

Also, there’s no limit to what you can stuff between breads and create a hearty, filling and scrumptious snack. Whether the most usual filling or an unusual one, a sandwich is for keeps!

An easy grab-on-the-go, a sandwich is versatile beyond limits. This is one of those dishes that is actually popular worldwide as a street snack as well as featured on some of the most avant garde menus at fine dine restaurants.

Various food cultures on the globe boast of their sandwich specialties, which can be grilled, toasted, plain or even cold.

Whatever said and done, sandwiches are super in every possible way. It has many layers that can be rightly termed as layers of love made edible.

For instance, take this Paneer Sandwich only. How just 2 variations of the same stuffing can create 2 different sandwiches, that are convenient to make, comforting to the soul and really toothsome. Also, suitable for everyone across all age groups.  

About Grilled Paneer Sandwich Recipe

My first recipe of Paneer Sandwich uses a stuffing of crumbled cottage cheese mixed with some basic Indian spice powders, curd (yogurt) and seasonings.

This is then spread onto bread slices slathered with butter, green chutney and finally topped with sliced onion and red bell pepper.

The coriander chutney perks up this Paneer Sandwich with its refreshing, zingy, citrusy flavors and a bright color note.

If you don’t have fresh coriander leaves handy at home, then opt for a mayonnaise or cheese spread. This chutney can also be made with fresh mint leaves.

I would recommend you to use fresh homemade Paneer for both these sandwich variations or any other recipe that use cottage cheese.

The paneer that you make at home is not only super fresh, but is also free of additives or preservatives.

At home, we love warm and spiced sandwiches. Hence, this recipe of the Paneer Sandwich is apt.

However, if you don not like it this way, you can reduce the spices and herbs in it. These sandwiches can also be grilled, toasted or had without grilling as well.

How to make Paneer Sandwich

Recipe 1

Make Coriander Chutney

1. To make the coriander or cilantro chutney, take 1 cup tightly packed coriander leaves (which have been rinsed thoroughly in water and drained) and 2 green chillies in a small blender or grinder.

Add ½ teaspoon chaat masala powder and salt as required. Grind or blend till fine and smooth. No need to add water while blending or grinding.

If you cannot blend, then add 1 or 2 tablespoons water. Take the chutney in a bowl and keep aside. A few drops of lemon juice can be added.

Prepare Paneer Stuffing

2. Crumble 200 grams paneer in a bowl or pan. Do not crumble finely. Some small chunks of paneer is fine. You can even chop paneer in small cubes instead of crumbling.

3. Add the following spice powders:

• 1 pinch of turmeric powder
• ¼ teaspoon cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon kashmiri red chilli powder
• ½ teaspoon coriander powder (ground coriander)
• ½ teaspoon garam masala powder
• ½ teaspoon dry mango powder (amchur powder)

4. Add 2 tablespoons fresh curd (yogurt). Season with salt as per taste.

5. Mix very well.

Make Grilled Paneer Sandwich

6. Take the bread slices and spread some butter on them. I have used whole wheat bread.

You can use any bread of your choice like brown bread, white bread, multigrain bread or whole wheat sandwich bread.

7. Spread the prepared coriander chutney on the slices. Addition of chutney is optional and you can skip it also.

Or you can use any green chutney you have like, mint chutney or mint coriander chutney. Other options are mayonnaise or your preferred sauce.

8. Now, place some thin onion slices and sliced bell pepper. I have used red bell pepper. But you can add green or yellow bell pepper or skip them altogether.

9. Sprinkle a few pinches of chaat masala on top.

10. Add the prepared paneer stuffing.

11. Cover with the remaining bread slices on which both butter and coriander chutney have already been spread.

12. Place the paneer sandwiches in a preheated sandwich maker.

13. Grill till crisp and golden.

14. Remove and serve grilled Paneer Sandwich hot or warm with any dip or sauce of your choice. You can serve it with tomato ketchup, mint chutney or Coriander Chutney.

About Fusion Paneer Sandwich

My second recipe is that of a Veggie Paneer Sandwich which uses a stuffing of crumbled cottage cheese mixed with some western herbs, green chilies, some Indian spice powders and seasonings.

This is then spread onto bread slices slathered with butter, topped with slices of different veggies and finally sprinkled with salt and some spice powders.

I have done a fusion of Italian and Indian flavors in this sandwich. In this, the paneer has an Indo-Italian touch to it with the use of herbs, while the vegetables are spiked with Indian spices.

This recipe is a variation of the Bombay Veg Sandwich, which has paneer, assortment of vegetables and chutneys that makes it more nutritious.

You can make this Fusion Paneer Sandwich even if you don’t have all or a few of the veggies at home.

Prepare them with whichever veggie you have out of the list or just with the paneer stuffing, it is going to be awesome any way.

I have used fresh basil, celery and coriander for the paneer stuffing. Similarly, you can make delightful sandwiches by combing different flavors. Turn your sandwiches vegan-friendly by using tofu and oil.

This Fusion Paneer Sandwich uses a homemade whole wheat bread. Other choices include brown bread, multigrain bread, white bread, etc.

Serve this sandwich with tomato ketchup, coriander chutney or even a basil pesto. Mouth-watering all the way!

Step-By-Step Fusion Paneer Sandwich

Recipe 2

Ingredients

For Paneer Stuffing

• 200 grams paneer (cottage cheese)
• 4 to 5 Italian basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves (cilantro leaves)
• ½ teaspoon dry oregano
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
• ¼ teaspoon red chili powder or red chili flakes
• 1 green chili – chopped
• salt or black salt as required

For Sandwich

• 8 to 10 slices of whole wheat bread or brown bread or white bread
• 1 medium size tomato – sliced thinly
• 1 beetroot – boiled, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 potato – boiled, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 medium sized onion – peeled and sliced thinly
• Chaat masala as required
• Cumin powder as required
• Butter or olive oil as required

Instructions

1. Crumble 200 grams paneer with your hands or grate it. Add the following herbs, spices, seasonings and mix well:

• 4 to 5 chopped basil
• 1 teaspoon chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
• 1 chopped green chili or ½ teaspoon, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
• ¼ teaspoon red chili powder
• salt as per taste

2. Spread or brush some softened butter or olive oil on bread slices. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the prepared paneer stuffing on the bread. Sprinkle some chaat masala and ground cumin powder.

Place 2 to 3 slices each of boiled potato, raw onion, boiled beetroot and tomato. Sprinkle a few pinches of salt, chaat masala and cumin powder again.

3. Place the second buttered or oiled bread on top and either grill or toast the sandwich. Here I have used my old sandwich hand toaster which works on stovetop.

4. Once the sandwiches are browned, remove and spread some butter if required on them. 

Serve Fusion Paneer Sandwich hot or warm with tomato ketchup, mint chutney or coriander chutney.

Assemble and grill or toast the remaining sandwiches this way and serve them hot.

Expert Tips

1. Paneer: For best sandwiches, use fresh paneer. If you use frozen paneer, the stuffing can turn out to be a bit dry. When buying paneer from a store, ensure that it is fresh and moist. If not, prepare it at home.
2. Bread: A homemade whole wheat bread is what I have used for this recipe. You may use others like brown, white, multigrain or even a whole wheat sandwich bread. Even sourdough bread or ciabatta are a few options
3. Spreads: If you don’t feel like using green chutney, don’t. Put your creative streak to use by opting for Eggless Mayonnaise, Hung Curd (greek yogurt), cream cheese or your preferred spreads or sauces. A pizza sauce would also taste good.
4. Vegan Alternatives: Tofu for paneer, olive oil for butter and a vegan yogurt for regular dairy curd are some plant based options you can opt for.
5. Grilling Sandwiches: You can choose to grill the sandwiches in a skillet or a stovetop sandwich maker or use a panini press or an electric sandwich maker.

Paneer Sandwich recipe from the archives was originally published on Jan 2017.