This easy and delicious Chatpata Paneer Sandwich is a perfect weekday lunch to try. The paneer cubes are tossed in spiced yogurt and then cooked and added to sauteed veggies. The sandwich is also layered with chutney & a spicy sauce for the added flavor punch and cheese for some goodness. Pair this delicious sandwich with chips/crisps. and it’s the perfect lunch to help you get through your day. You can use low-fat paneer to reduce the calories & I used sprouted bread for more protein. You can also meal prep this sandwich to make it even easier for you during the busy week.

Happy Cooking!

Servings: 2-3 sandwiches

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cooking Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Ingredients: 

Paneer Marinade:

• 250g Paneer

• 2 tbsp yogurt 

• 1/2 tsp red chili powder

• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder

• 1/2 tsp cumin powder

• 1/4 tsp coriander powder

• 1/4 tsp chaat masala

• 1/8 tsp clove powder

• 1/4-1/2 tsp salt

• A pinch of pepper

• A pinch of sugar 

• 2 tsp garlic paste 

• 2 tsp ginger paste

• 1-1.5 tbsp peanut oil

Veggies:

• 4 scallions chopped; whites and greens separate

• 1/2 red onion finely chopped

• 1 sweet pepper sliced

• 2 tbsp pizza or marinara sauce or tomato paste

To assemble:

• 4-6 slices of bread; I used sprouted bread

• 2-3 tbsp butter as per taste

• 3-4 tbsp coriander mint (sandwich) chutney

• 2-3 tbsp chili spread or chili sauce

• 1/3 cup shredded cheese like Amul or Mozzarella

Directions: 

1. Cut all the veggies and keep them aside.

2. Paneer Marinade: In a mixing bowl add yogurt, ginger garlic paste, and all the spices and seasonings.

3. Cut the paneer into small cubes, about the size of a blueberry.

4. Add the paneer into the bowl and toss them till they are coated well.

5. Put a pan on medium heat.

6. Add oil and let it heat up.

7. Add paneer cubes to the pan and let them cook.

8. As they cook, water may be released. Let the water be released and flip the paneer cubes over. Cook till both sides are cooked well and golden brown.

9. Transfer it back to the bowl.

10. Add all the veggies except the scallion greens to the warm pan.

11. Saute the veggies for 2-3 mins. I like to keep them a little crunchy.

12. Add the pizza sauce or tomato paste and cook for 2-4 mins. The tomato paste will take longer to cook than pizza sauce.

13. Add the cooked paneer cubes back to the pan and give it a toss, mixing well. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes.

14. Add the greens of the scallions and mix.

15. The filling is ready, let it cool for 3-4 mins.

16. Assemble:

    • Lightly toast slices of bread.

    • Spread coriander chutney on half and chili sauce on the other half.

    • Top one of the slices with the paneer veggie filling followed by some grated cheese. Sandwich it close with another slice. (Be sure to use one with coriander chutney and one with chili sauce)

    • Put a griddle on medium heat, I used a cast iron pan.

    • Spread butter on the top of the sandwich and place it top-side down on a hot pan.

    • Cook for 2-3 mins and spread butter on the other side of the sandwich.

    • Flip the sandwich over and cook both sides till cooked well.

    • I like to place a lid on the pan to help the cheese melt.

    • Slice, serve with ketchup/chili sauce and chips, and enjoy!

Notes/Tips:

• Make sure you cut the paneer into small pieces so it’s easy to fit in a sandwich.

• You can meal prep the filling and keep it. I would suggest marinating the paneer and keeping it and then cooking everything as per the recipe.

• You can add other veggies like chopped carrots, corn, etc to the filling.

• I like the flavor of coriander-mint chutney but you can use coriander chutney.

• Yoy can also toast this in a Panini press.