by Ratna
My daughter and I were Sari shopping in Mumbai.
The list looked long and convoluted. The pile of “Short listed” saris grew. “Doh coke la” (Get me two pops), the man behind the desk shouted. A little boy, no more than ten, ran across the floor and handed us the chilled drinks.
Working steadily through our list, the “must have” pile of saris grew in size. “Khana mangateh hain” (Let me get some food) the salesman suggested this time. The smell of melted cheese was followed by the two plates of sandwiches. All promises of not eating street food was broken that afternoon.
As we came out of the store, I noticed this “hole in the wall” with Sandwizza written in faded letters. I could barely see the man sitting between an assortment of tin containers, plastic packets, fresh produce, Foreman grill look- alike and old china. I chose a safe distance to stand and watch him, much to my daughter’s disapproval.
His deft fingers methodically working, cutting, assembling, ingredients at ease. A sprinkle of this, and a dash of that, while maintaining a conversation with his customer. His beetle juice stained teeth peeked through his thick moustache. I made mental notes.
I tried the same, here in my kitchen, a few times, before I thought it was somewhat close to the taste from that day. So here it is, Sandwizza.
Ingredients:
Brown bread – 4 Slices
Olive Oil -2 Tbsps
Green Chutney _One third cup. See recipe below
Boiled potato _2 small thinly sliced
Chopped onions _1 small
Finely sliced tomatoes _ 2 medium
Chat masala _1tsp, according to taste
Thinly sliced Zucchini _ 1 small
Swiss cheese grated _1 cup
Method:
1.Brush olive oil on both sides of the bread slices.
2.Lather the green chutney on the inside of the bread slices.
3.Assemble the sandwich. I put the potato slices first followed by Zucchini,tomato,onions and grated cheese. Sprinkle the chat masala according to taste. Put the other slice of bread on top.I used a Breville grill 360 degrees F, for 4 minutes
Inside scoop:
1. I used Brown bread, but white bread can also be used.
2.Butter can be used instead of olive oil.
3.I had Zucchini at home, long English Cucumber or green Capsicum can also be used.
4.Recipe for the green chutney:
Cilantro choped: 1 cup
Mint leaves; Half cup
Green chillies 2
Garlic cloves 2
Ginger Half inch
Salt Pinch
Lemon juice 1 tsp
Grind all of the above with very little water.
5. I used store bought chat masala.