Vegetable and Cheese Grilled Sandwich

An iconic recipe from Mumbai; this Vegetable and Cheese Grilled Sandwich is full of vegetables, cheese and chutney all grilled in fresh homemade triangular bread from scratch.

Just like the one on the streets, this one is fulfilling in every bite!

Mumbai street food is super popular all over the country. There are so many amazing dishes that originated in the city and are now enjoyed all over.

People from across the nation come to try these in the city and they take back these recipes to prepare. And so do the folks from across the globe. There are videos of these street foods all over and it is always a delight to watch them.

For those unfamiliar, Bhel Puri, Pav Bhaji, Pani Puri and Vada Pav are some of the iconic recipes. These are full of different flavors, textures, colors and taste. Some spicy, some sweet and some tangy.

And just like chaats, sandwiches make a large part of Mumbai street food. Among the popular sandwiches, there is one super iconic recipe; Bombay Grilled Sandwich!

Jump to:

• What is Bombay Grilled Sandwich
• Origin of this Sandwich
• Why this recipe works
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• How to make this recipe
• Expert Tips and Notes
• Serving
• Recipe FAQs
• More Delicious Mumbai Street Food Recipes
• More Sandwich Recipes
• Vegetable and Cheese Grilled Sandwich

What is Bombay Grilled Sandwich

A super delicious sandwich made with mixed vegetables, cilantro chutney, lot of cheese and white bread; Bombay Grilled Sandwich is an iconic sandwich from the city of Mumbai.

This is signature to the city that loves its white bread sandwiches. And this one is definitely special; so special that the sandwich is made with its own signature bread.

If you know this sandwich, you would definitely recollect seeing the super large triangle bread that it is made in.

The sandwich has three slices of white triangle bread, thin slices of vegetables, a spicy cilantro chutney and lots of cheese. The sandwich is prepared and grilled with a lot of salted butter. That makes it super yummy.

Origin of this Sandwich

For those familiar to the city, most of you would remember seeing these sandwiches at a joint called 'Swastik Sandwich' that is now 'Sandwizza'.

Right outside the Santacruz station by a popular store called Friendship is this corner store that makes amazing sandwiches. From the popular Grilled Sandwich and Masala Toast to the more recent Mayo Sandwich and Cheese Pineapple Sandwich. And their bestseller sandwich masala.

This is one of the stores that started selling these iconic grilled sandwiches in triangular bread. And I have frequented this location since I was a little kid. This is where the recipe is from and I got the mold for the bread made right next to this store. The tin works place gets multiple requests for these molds everyday!

Why this recipe works

• The recipe is absolutely customizable; as we make the bread from scratch as well.
• This sandwich is full of thinly sliced vegetables, cheese and chutney.
• We can actually make a super large sandwich using this recipe.
• The loaf we make here makes 4 full sandwiches.
• It is pretty easy to make.
• We can easily customize this to make it Vegan.
• The recipe brings back the taste and flavor from the streets of Mumbai!
• It is amazing to enjoy this iconic recipe from Mumbai.
• Most of the elements in the recipe are easy to make ahead of time.
• Once the elements are ready, the sandwiches comes together in under 15 minutes.

Pro Tip: Get this mold made in the size of 8*8*9 inches. It works with almost all sandwich recipes and is great in most grillers!

Ingredients and Substitutions

For the Bread

• All purpose Flour: I like to make this bread with all purpose flour. Though wheat flour works too, all purpose makes it more similar to the bread used in the street side stores that make the sandwich.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast is best for the bread. Instant yeast works too; but I prefer to use that for breads like Focaccia, Pizza etc. We need to activate the yeast before adding to the flour.
• Unsalted Butter: The fat in the bread is unsalted butter. Use Olive oil for a Vegan version. Both work equally well in the bread recipe.
• Salt and Sugar: We need some sugar and salt for activating the yeast. Then again we need some salt to add to the bread dough. These are required and there are no real substitutions for these.
• Water: Warm water helps activate the yeast well. And then we use the bloomed yeast to make the dough. Make sure the water is about the right temperature so the yeast blooms well but does not die due to excessive heat.

For the Sandwich

• Vegetables: The vegetables in the traditional recipe includes sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, boiled potatoes and beetroots. Plus we add diced onions and peppers. While other vegetables like zucchini, avocado, cabbage etc. are great; they are not traditional ones.
• Chutney: Spicy cilantro chutney is the base for the recipe. Make it fresh or use store bought chutney. Adjust the spice based on how you like it.
• Sandwich Masala: Another star ingredient in the grilled sandwich recipe is sandwich masala. I like to use the brand 'Sandwizza' which is the same store that is popular for this sandwich. However, use a sandwich masala of your choice.
• Cheese: Amul cheese is the perfect one for the recipe. It tastes authentic and is a favorite cheese in our house. However, use any shredded cheese you like in the sandwich.
• Butter: Again, Amul butter is the one of choice for this grilled sandwich. We use it in the sandwich and to grease the sandwich maker. Use any salted butter you like.

See the recipe card for detailed ingredient information, measurements and nutrition.

How to make this recipe

For the Bread

1- In a bowl add warm water, sugar, salt and active dry yeast. Mix everything well

2- Rest covered for 10-12 minutes. The yeast should bloom by then. Open the cover and keep ready.

3- In the base of the stand mixer, add all purpose flour, unsalted butter, salt and the bloomed yeast mixture.

4- Run the mixer on medium speed till everything comes together.

5- Keep mixing on high speed till the dough is soft and without cracks.

6- Roll the dough ball tight and transfer it to a greased bowl.

7- Rest covered for an hour. The dough should double by then.

8- Punch down the dough and smoothen it well. Also, line a triangle bread mold for the grilled sandwich with oil or butter and rest on a greased tray.

9- Transfer the entire dough into the mold and press it down using light hands, spreading it throughout the mold.

10- Cover with another baking tray or plate and let it double. In about an hour, the bread dough will rise to the brim of the mold.

11- Place in a preheated oven at 400 F and bake for 20-22 minutes, till the top is crisp and the mold sounds hollow when tapped. Then remove the bread.

12- Let the bread cool down a little and remove from the mold.

13- Then let it cool down completely. Place on a chopping board.

14- Make equal size thin slices and keep ready. Also, keep all the vegetables and other add-ins ready.

For the Sandwich

1- Apply butter on all the bread slices. We need three slices for every sandwich. Also apply cilantro chutney on the slice.

2- Then add a layer of sliced cucumbers on the slice of bread.

3- Next is a layer of sliced tomatoes and sprinkle some sandwich masala.

4- Then add slices of boiled potatoes.

5- This is followed by boiled beetroot slices.

6- Then place another slice of bread with butter and cilantro chutney on both sides.

7- Now add diced peppers and onions on this bread.

8- Add a thick layer of shredded cheese on this.

9- Then place another bread slice with butter and chutney on it.

10- Add some butter on both sides of the sandwich and place in a grill.

11- Grill well till the breads are crisp and the fillings cook.

12- Then cut into pieces and serve the grilled sandwich with some cilantro chutney, tomato ketchup, spicy garlic chutney or schezwan sauce.

Expert Tips and Notes

• Make sure the yeast is fresh and not very dated. Dated yeast tends to act funny while blooming. Also, use lukewarm water for the process. It should be between 105-110 F. Cold water will not bloom the yeast and hot water will kill them.
• I have the mold custom made for these sandwiches. However, the same recipe works to make bread in any kind of bread pan. Plus, we can simply roll the dough into a tight roll and bake a bread loaf with it.
• If you would like to make the same mold, it is made at a local tin works store in India. It is a 8*8*9 inches triangle and 6 inches deep. Plus, it does not have a base so removing the bread loaf is easy. These measurements make a perfect loaf that gives us 12-13 sandwich bread slices.
• Do not slice the bread when it is still warm. This will give a lot of crumb and uneven slices. As it is a thick loaf, it does take a few hours to completely cool down.
• The vegetables I use includes the one in the traditional one. And so are the shapes in which the vegetables are chopped. However, adding more vegetables like corn, zucchini, boiled sweet potato etc. works too.
• Again, I like to use Amul butter and cheese for the recipe. Almost every sandwich store in Mumbai uses it to make a perfect sandwich. That being said, it is okay to use any shredded cheese or butter of your choice.
• Use thinly sliced vegetables. That way they cook well in the grill.
• Grill the sandwich till it is crisp on both sides. Enjoy immediately. The molten cheese and perfectly crisp bread is great when warm.

Serving

The bread is easy to make ahead of time. We need the bread to cool down well so it slices perfectly. The bread stays well for 2-3 days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator.

The cilantro chutney is also great to make ahead of time. Simply refrigerate or freeze the chutney to use as needed.

The vegetables are easy to chop and keep ready for up to a day or two. Simply chop and refrigerate till ready to use. Boil beets and potatoes ahead of time too.

Once all the components are ready, we needs only 10 minutes to make the sandwich and grill it. Do this step right before serving so the sandwich tastes fresh, is crisp and the cheese is perfectly molten and yummy.

Serve this sandwich with some cilantro chutney, tomato ketchup, spicy garlic chutney or schezwan sauce. Plus, add a glass of Fruit Cocktail or Mango Lassi for the perfect street style experience!

In case of leftovers, refrigerate once cool in a lidded box. To reheat, pop into a grill and heat through before serving.

Recipe FAQs

More Delicious Mumbai Street Food Recipes

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