Patrick Oconnell
India has a wide variety of sandwiches, with the Mumbai sandwich being the signature street food dish. While there are many options for a good Mumbai sandwich, the most common ingredients are cheese, vegetables, spices, and herbs. The most popular cheese in India is Amul cheese, which is renowned for changing the direction of Indian street food since its introduction. However, the most popular craft cheese in India is gouda, which is available across the country in a range of qualities, shapes, and flavors. Paneer, India's cottage cheese, is also commonly used in sandwiches.
Characteristics and types of cheese used in sandwiches in India
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Paneer, Amul cheese, mozzarella, gouda, cheddar, cream cheese, ricotta, feta |
| Preparation | Grilled, toasted, pan-fried, oven-baked, air-fried |
| Bread | Pullman-style loaf, Wibs bread, wheat flour bread |
| Butter | Amul butter |
| Toppings | Chutney, tomatoes, onions, chillies, cilantro, mint, ginger chutney, masala mix, lime juice, yogurt, coconut chutney, green chili chutney, ketchup |
| Seasonings | Black pepper, red chili flakes, oregano, salt |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Amul cheese
In terms of its use in sandwiches, Amul cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with various other sandwich components. It can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, adding a unique flavour to the classic dish. When combined with ingredients such as mint chutney, the result is a delicious and nostalgic sandwich that many Indians adore.
Creative Cotija Cheese Alternatives for Your Next Dish
You may want to see also
Paneer
There are numerous variations of the paneer sandwich, but a common preparation method involves mixing crumbled or grated paneer with vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, green chillies, capsicum, and coriander leaves. Spices like cumin powder, chilli powder, garam masala, and salt are added to enhance the flavour. This mixture is then used as a filling between slices of bread, which can be toasted, grilled, or cooked in a sandwich maker for a crispy texture.
The paneer sandwich can be customised according to taste preferences. For example, some people may choose to add sauces or spreads such as green chutney, thick curd, mayonnaise, or tandoori mayo to the sandwich for extra moisture and flavour. Others might prefer to marinate and grill the paneer slab before assembling the sandwich. Additionally, different types of bread can be used, such as white, brown, multigrain, or multiseed, depending on personal preference and availability.
Cheese Fermentation: What Bacteria Strains Are Needed?
You may want to see also
Mozzarella
In an Indian-style grilled cheese sandwich, mozzarella is layered with vegetables and spices between slices of buttered bread. The sandwich is then grilled or toasted until the bread is crispy and golden brown, and the cheese is completely molten. This results in a delicious combination of textures and flavours, with the melted mozzarella providing a creamy and stretchy contrast to the crispy bread and crunchy vegetables.
When making an Indian-style grilled mozzarella sandwich, it is essential to use a non-stick pan or a sandwich maker. The pan should be heated to medium heat, and butter should be added once melted. The sandwich is then carefully placed in the pan, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking. It is cooked until the underside is golden brown before being flipped to cook the other side.
The Best Cheeses to Use in Your Cooking
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheddar
For a more Indian-inspired sandwich, the cheese can be spiced with roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, and freshly crushed black pepper powder.
Cheese Tamales: What's the Best Cheese to Use?
You may want to see also
Grilled cheese sandwiches
A basic grilled cheese sandwich can be made with a good loaf of bread (fresh or day-old), a tangy block of cheddar or mozzarella cheese, softened butter, and herbs and spices to taste. Medium-thick slices of bread are recommended to hold the cheese without spilling over. The sandwich can be grilled on a skillet or stovetop, resulting in crispy bread and gooey melted cheese.
In Mumbai, the Bombay Grilled Sandwich is a popular vegetarian street food option. It typically includes green chutney, butter, vegetables (such as potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions), grated cheese, and chaat masala. Sourdough or soft white bread can be used, depending on whether the sandwich is grilled or not. For extra flavour, avocado oil can be added during cooking.
Another variation is the Mumbai Chilli Cheese Sandwich, which includes butter, green chutney, sliced red onions, a masala spice mix, tomatoes, chopped chillies, and cheese. This sandwich is grilled until crisp and light brown and served with extra chutney and ketchup.
Paneer, a type of Indian cottage cheese, is also commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches. Paneer has a mild flavour and a firm texture, similar to tofu or scrambled egg. It can be crumbled or shredded and mixed with herbs, spices, and vegetables to create a variety of sandwich fillings.
Cheese Rind Magic: Creative Uses for Hard Cheese Rinds
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Some popular cheese sandwiches in India include the Mumbai Chilli Cheese Sandwich, the Paneer Bhurji Sandwich, and the Grilled Cottage Cheese Sandwich.
Paneer is a type of fresh cheese made and used in Indian cuisine. It is similar to ricotta or cottage cheese and is made by heating milk and introducing acid.
Other types of cheese used in Indian sandwiches include mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, ricotta, feta, and Amul cheese.
