Spicy Vegetable Sandwich (Masala VeggieToast)

Blogging Marathon# 49: Week 2/ Day 1

Theme: Cooking for 1

Dish: Masala Toast

Being a South Indian, eating bread for a meal used to be a blasphemy some decade years ago. But then things and my thoughts changed when I came to the States and it was then I realized anything that fills your stomach can be eaten at any time of the day.

During my graduate studies, I was in Tampa for 3 months for internship and I shared an apartment with 2 American girls. This was still within a year of my stay in US and I wasn't completely used to the American food. I used to slave away in the kitchen cooking my rice, dal and curry (I didn't have a pressure cooker, so cooking used to take for ever). My American roomies on the other hand kept the fridge stocked with their cold cuts, cheese etc. and they used to be in and out of the kitchen with their sandwiches in no time. That was my first step towards sandwiches.

This Indian style sandwich is inspired from Kalyani's Masala toaste recipe. I added some frozen mixed vegetables to make the sandwich a little more colorful and interesting. I also added some grated cheese on top because I had it ready to be used in the fridge.

This sandwich couldn't be simpler, make the spicy veggie mixture, spread on the bread, toast and enjoy. I made the toast under the broiler, but they can be cooked on a tawa (pan) right on the stove top. They can also be made in a preheated 375°F oven for 5~6 minutes or until the bread is nicely toasted and the cheese (if using) is melted.

Recipe adapted from Kalyani's recipe:

Ingredients: Serves 1

• Bread slices - 3 (I used whole wheat homemade bread)
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Mixed Vegetables - ¼cup, finely chopped (I conveniently used frozen mixed veggies)
• Tomato - 1 small, finely chopped
• Green Chilies - 1~2, finely minced
• Red Chili powder - ¼tsp (optional)
• Turmeric - ¼tsp
• Garam Masala - ¼tsp
• Cheese - 2tbsp, grated
• Butter - as needed
• Salt - to taste

Method:

Heat 2tsp oil in a small saute pan, add the onions and green chilies and saute till onions are transparent.

Next add the mixed veggies and cook covered till done.

Stir in the chopped tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder and salt. Cook till tomatoes get mushy.

Finally add the garam masala, mix well and turn off the heat.

Preheat the broiler and line a baking sheet with foil.

To make the Masala Toast: Butter the bread on both sides. Spread about 2tbsp of the masala on the bread and place it on the baking sheet. Repeat with the other bread slices. Sprinkle with some grated cheese, if desired.

Broil for 1~3 minutes, watching into the oven like a hawk to avoid burning the toast. Broil till the bread is toasted well and is crispy. Serve immediately.