Chettinad Spiced Veggie Sandwich

Ingredients

In this Chettinad adaptation of the Prosperity Sandwich, we incorporate the distinct flavors of Chettinad cuisine by using a blend of traditional Chettinad spices. The original American sandwich is transformed into a spicier and more aromatic version, with the addition of ingredients like curry leaves, black peppercorns, and fennel seeds. The vegetables are sautéed with these spices to infuse them with the rich flavors of Chettinad cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Prosperity Sandwich, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 sprig curry leaves 1 sprig curry leaves
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 medium bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• 8 slices of crusty bread 8 slices of crusty bread
• Butter, for spreading Butter, for spreading

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add mustard seeds, fennel seeds, and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
3. 3.
   Add curry leaves and green chilies. Sauté for a minute.
4. 4.
   Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
5. 5.
   Add sliced bell peppers and cook until they soften slightly.
6. 6.
   Add sliced tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook until the tomatoes are soft and the spices are well incorporated.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and set aside.
8. 8.
   Take 2 slices of bread and spread butter on one side of each slice.
9. 9.
   Place a generous amount of the spiced vegetable mixture on the buttered side of one slice.
10. 10.
    Cover with another slice of bread, buttered side down.
11. 11.
    Repeat the process to make more sandwiches.
12. 12.
    Heat a griddle or pan over medium heat.
13. 13.
    Place the sandwiches on the griddle and cook until golden brown on both sides, pressing gently with a spatula.
14. 14.
    Remove from heat and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mustard seeds — Toasting the mustard seeds before adding them to the recipe will enhance their flavor.
• Curry leaves — If fresh curry leaves are not available, dried curry leaves can be used as a substitute. However, fresh curry leaves provide a more authentic flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of spiciness, add a pinch of black pepper powder to the vegetable mixture.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as whole wheat or multigrain, to add more depth to the sandwich.
• Serve the sandwich with a side of mint chutney or tomato ketchup for added flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Chettinad spiced veggie sandwich hot, either as a standalone meal or accompanied by a side salad or soup.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, cut the sandwiches diagonally and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color.