Thursday, May 17, 2012

Green Chutney Sandwich : Bombay Sandwich

If you are ever in Churchgate, Mumbai, and you travel in the local train, when you step outside  the station, in one corner, you will find people flocking, young college going students, working men and women , around a small stall,which at first you may not even notice because of the flock. At a glance you will also notice, the flock is engaged in similar actions and you think, smiling to yourself, birds of a feather.... , and then you see what action it is, plate in one hand (left, mostly- unless that person is a left handed person, then right) and the other hand carrying a small square 'something' to the mouth and enjoying every bite. You are drawn to the flock and then you see what the fuss is all about. It's the sandwichwalla!
This sandwichwalla ( The sandwich stall owner) I am talking about used to ( and maybe he still is there) operate outside Churchgate station and my news is at least 8 -9 years old.
Rapidly preparing sandwiches, he works at a fast and smooth, unfaltering pace, slathering butter on the slices of bread creating a mound in one corner and then quickly laying these slices in a grid and smearing chutney on top. adding the vegetables ( as per customers preference) and slapping the second slice of bread on top and then using a thin but razor sharp knife, deftly cuts it into 8 little squares and slides the whole thing, neatly onto a plate. Using squeeze bottles, squirts ketchup on top and hands it to the hungry and waiting customer.

Walking thru Mumbai, you will find such small stall owners in practically every lane, catering to the hunger pangs of one and all for a small price.

                                  
I have no idea what a simple sandwich costs these days, but I remember, in my college days, it was Rs.5/- and on a student pocket money, it was affordable nutrition.

What made this sandwich so addictive was the spicy chutney, slathered onto a slice of soft buttered bread.
I have a similar version for you today. 

Cilantro chutney:

1 Large bunch, Fresh Cilantro ( leaves and tender stems)
4 Green Chilies ( reduce quantity to suit your preference)
1/2 tsp. Cumin  Seeds
1/2 tsp. Coriander seed powder
Pinch Asafetida
1/2 inch Fresh ginger knob
Salt to Taste
2 Tbsp Lemon juice

Wash the cilantro. Add all the ingredients to the blender/ mixie jar, except lemon juice and blend to a smooth paste, with minimum water.
Remove to a container, add lemon juice and mix it in.



This chutney is versatile and can be used in bhel or sev puri or ragda patties when coupled with meethi (date and tamarind) chutney

To assemble the sandwich:



For one sandwich

2 Slices of Bread ( the original uses white sliced bread)
A pat of Butter
Green
 Cilantro Chutney





Fixin's :

Thinly Sliced Cucumber
Thinly sliced Tomato
Thinly Sliced, Boiled Potato
Thinly Sliced Red Onion
Thinly sliced Boiled Beetroot
Dash of Salt and Pepper ( if required)
Tomato Ketchup

Butter both slices of bread.

On one slice, apply the Cilantro chutney ( on both, if you want, but make sure that it does not overwhelm the over all taste it is a dominating taste and the vegetables are plain / raw)

Pile on the fixin's. Choose what you want, but the most common are Cucumber, Tomato and Boiled Potato ( and the ones we almost always have on hand). Sprinkle with salt and pepper, if using.

Place the second slice, buttered side down on top and carefully slice the sandwich into squares or triangles

Serve immediately with ketchup



NOTES: 

Use water carefully when blending the chutney ingredients, you do not want a runny chutney, it makes soggy sandwiches

Mint can be added to the chutney to enhance the flavor ( about 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves)

Cream cheese can be used instead of butter, it alters the taste, but is a nice change

Substitute Whole Wheat sliced bread or a multi grain bread or Ciabatta roll ( as I have used here), instead of white bread

In most Indian stores, you will find a sandwich masala, this can be sprinkled instead of salt and pepper, it is purely optional. 

For a Gluten allergies here is a recipe for Coconut flour bread 

For a Vegan Version, substitute with vegan butter 



These sandwiches make great picnic food.
Just don't assemble and pack them to eat later on! Soggy mess- unappealing! 


We walked this path on Saturday, there was a slight breeze and the sun, mercifully behind a few clouds, in short, nothing to mar my happiness. Bombay Sandwiches for a picnic lunch and this view, priceless! 

Serenity

P.S: call it Mumbai Sandwich , if you want, either way, it tastes the same! 
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20 comments:

anjana said...

Sandwich looks so tempting ..an all time favourite

Sayantani Mahapatra Mudi said...

oh my God what a breathtaking place that is. loe the sandwich. perfect summer snack.

Nupur said...

you wont beleive that we used to get these "Bombay Sandwiches " in Delhi for no less than Rs. 50. And am talking about 2006ish time.. We were fond of these, and always thought would be spmething special when we go to Mumbai.. But, looking at it now.. You have made the thing quite simple girl.. thats nice to have it at home...

Anonymous said...

Love the new look of ur blog and absolutely love the Bombay Sandwiches! I personally liked them toasted in the old style - flipped from side to side in a hand held toaster. That made the corners more crispy with a puffed up center. Oh what can I do to get that hand held toaster! I have a panini press/grill but nothing beats those crunchy cornered toast! I havent had the one at Churchgate but our famous sandwich bhaiya in Goregaon sold a toast sandwich (all the veggies + potato filling) topped with butter+Chutney+nylon sev for Rs.10 and I loved it much more than Maggie which was priced the same (5 years back).

- Priti

Nupur said...

SO good!!! You really took me down memory lane with this post, Manasi. I hope to make these sandwiches many times this summer.

And your picnic- wow, please tell me that's your backyard?! :)

Priya Suresh said...

Omg, those sandwich looks absolutely stunning and irresistible..its been a while i had this.

Manasi said...

Thank you so much, sandwich is such a convenient and a favorite food, isn't it!

Manasi said...

Thank you, Sayantani. It is a serene place, and bang in the middle of the city!

Manasi said...

Rs.50 for a sandwich!Good God!
It is simple, as long as you get the chutney right.
I like to eat my sandwich with Maggi hot & sweet !

Manasi said...

Oh yes, i know that toasted sandwich! I love it!
A panini grill will not quite make it, I found a diamond shaped toaster, but for $15, and it was an old, sad looking one.

Manasi said...

Oh how I wish it was my backyard! this is just behind the public library, bang in the middle of the city!

Manasi said...

Thanks Priya! Hope you make these soon!

radha said...

While we can replicate the taste at home like you have, it is just different when you have it at these road-side eateries. I wonder why!

turmericnspice said...

love the breathtaking view !! i wish it was my backyard :))

love the chatni, such a versatile and can be paired with so many things !!

Anonymous said...

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Avika J Chawla said...

Bombay Sandwich is absolutely tempting...and to top it wth spicy chatni...ummm..m gonna have it for brkfast tmrw for sure..

http://varietyisthespiceofyourlife.blogspot.com/

Recipe World said...

Super healthy and inviting sandwich.

Deepa said...

Sandwich is my confort food from the days I was in Mumbai...Whenever I go to Bombay I hog on it...Thanks for making me go down memory lane ...we miss all those small things ...luv u

Susan said...

This chutney always makes my mouth water. Always. Right now. No exceptions. : }

Unknown said...

Thanks !!

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