Bombay Sandwich Recipe

This easy-to-make sandwich is my go-to comfort food with its crispy, golden brown bread and vibrant, flavorful filling. I love how the spicy green chutney and chaat masala elevate the simple veggies, creating an unexpected burst of flavors that remind me of my favorite street food vibes.

My childhood in the bustling Mumbai milieu spawned a burning love for the inimitable Bombay Sandwich. Its symphony of taste and texture is unforgettable.

This recipe layers whole wheat bread with the following: creamy salted butter, thinly sliced boiled potatoes, cucumber, tomato, and red onion. The whole is elevated by an equally unforgettable green chutney, spiced with just the right amount of chaat masala.

Ingredients

• White or whole wheat bread: Provides carbohydrates, fiber, and forms the sandwich base.
• Potato: Adds heartiness, rich in carbohydrates and vitamin C.
• Cucumber: Refreshing, hydrates, low in calories, adds crunch.
• Tomato: Juicy and tangy, rich in vitamins A and C.
• Onion: Sharp, adds pungency and flavor depth.
• Green chutney: Herbaceous, spicy, enhances flavor with a fresh kick.
• Chaat masala: Tangy spice mix, adds zesty flavor dimension.
• Cheese (optional): Creamy, adds richness and protein.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 slices of white or whole wheat bread
• 1 tablespoon butter (room temperature)
• 1 medium boiled potato, thinly sliced
• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 small tomato, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons green chutney (coriander-mint chutney)
• 1/4 teaspoon chaat masala
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Spread evenly on one side of each slice of bread a layer of butter.

2. A generous layer of green chutney should be applied over the buttered side of each slice of bread.

3. On four slices, put down a layer of boiled potatoes that have been sliced very thinly. The next step is to sprinkle just a bit of salt and pepper over the top. That part is easy enough to accomplish, but here’s where it starts to get a little tricky. If you have any of these ingredients on hand, the best thing to do is make an herb oil that you can drizzle over the potatoes.

4. Place a layer of cucumbers, cut thin, on top of the potatoes.

5. Lay the tomatoes, cut into very thin slices, over the cucumbers. Then, give the tomatoes a very light dusting of salt.

6. Layer on top thinly sliced red onion.

7. Dust the layered vegetables with a little chaat masala and really make their flavors pop.

8. If you are using it, distribute the grated cheese evenly over the vegetables.

9. Take every assembled slice and cover it with another slice of bread, keeping the chutney side down, to form a sandwich.

10. Cook the sandwiches in a sandwich maker or on a hot skillet until both sides are golden brown. Serve hot.

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Sharp knife
3. Butter knife or spreader
4. Small bowl (for mixing herb oil if using)
5. Slicing knife
6. Measuring spoons
7. Sandwich maker or skillet

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of bread?
  Yes, you can use any bread of your choice such as multi-grain or sourdough, but traditionally white or whole wheat bread is used.
• What can I use as a substitute for green chutney?
  You can use store-bought mint sauce or even a pesto sauce as a substitute, though the flavor will vary.
• How do I make the green chutney at home?
  Blend cilantro, mint leaves, green chilies, lemon juice, ginger, and salt in a blender until smooth.
• Is the grated cheese necessary?
  No, the cheese is optional and can be omitted or substituted with a vegan alternative.
• How can I make the sandwich spicy?
  Increase the amount of green chilies in the chutney or add a few slices of jalapeños to the sandwich.
• Can this be a grilled sandwich?
  Yes, you can grill it on a sandwich press or a stovetop grill pan for a crispy variation.

Substitutions and Variations

8 slices of white or whole wheat bread can be substituted with multigrain bread or sourdough bread for a different texture and flavor.
A medium boiled potato, sliced thinly, can be replaced by a variety of ingredients to create a unique finished product. The replacements include:
– Thinly sliced sweet potato
– Thinly sliced roasted beetroot
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced. Zucchini slices can be used instead for a slight, crunchy twist. Both vegetables give a fresh taste and crisp texture.
4 tablespoons of green chutney can be substituted with pesto or hummus if you want a different spread.
1/4 teaspoon chaat masala can be replaced with garam masala or curry powder for an alternative spice profile.

Pro Tips

1. Bread Choice Matters Opt for fresh, soft bread to enhance texture. If you prefer extra crunch, lightly toast the bread before assembling the sandwich.

2. Chutney Customization For a more robust flavor, add a dash of lemon juice and a pinch of sugar to the green chutney. This balances the spice and elevates the sandwich’s taste.

3. Herb Oil Enhancement Create a simple herb oil by infusing olive oil with dried herbs like oregano or thyme and a clove of crushed garlic. Drizzle sparingly over the potatoes before adding other vegetables for added depth of flavor.

4. Cheese Variation If available, try using a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella and cheddar, for a gooey texture and flavor kick. Adjust the cheese quantity if you’re not using a sandwich maker to prevent overflow.

5. Skillet Secret If using a skillet instead of a sandwich maker, apply a light coat of butter on the outsides of the assembled sandwich. This will ensure a golden, crispy finish without sticking. Cook on medium heat to prevent burning before the cheese melts.