Paneer sandwich

10 min
Paneer sandwich

Try an Indian-inspired paneer sandwich. We season soft paneer with tandoori spices and pan-fry it deliciously golden. The sandwich is then filled with creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, and tangy pickled onions between toasted bread. Bite down and enjoy a nice blend of warm spices and fresh ingredients. Perfect for a quick meal or a new twist on the classic sandwich.

Ingredients

Vegetable oil
2 tbsp
Paneer, split in half lengthways
225 g
Butter (1 tbsp)
15 g
Tandoori spice
1 tbsp
Artisan bread, 1½ cm thick
4
Mayonnaise to taste
Big leaves romaine lettuce
2 - 4
Avocado, sliced lengthways
1
Quick-pickled red onions to taste
Dijon mustard to taste

Instructions

  • Heat a non-stick frying pan at medium heat and add oil.
  • Add paneer and fry until golden brown on each side.
  • Turn down the heat and add butter and tandoori powder. With a spoon, baste the paneer with the foaming tandoori butter for 1 minute.
  • Toast the bread slices on both sides.
  • Spread two slices of bread with mayonnaise and top with 1 or 2 leaves of lettuce, Paneer, avocado, and pickled onions.
  • Spread the remaining two slices of bread with mustard and “close” the two paneer sandwiches.
Enjoy!

Choosing the right bread

Selecting the right bread is vital to create a paneer sandwich. Thick slices of artisan bread, about 1½ cm, are ideal for holding the strong flavours and the rich textures of the other ingredients. Its firm crust and light middle make it great for keeping the sandwich intact and avoiding sogginess. Whichever bread you pick, it should be fresh and have a texture that works with the filling. Toasting the bread adds crunch and stops it from getting wet, especially when juicy ingredients such as pickled onions are included.

Make homemade pickled red onions

Place thinly sliced red onions in a heat-safe jar. In a saucepan, mix 120 ml water, 120 ml white wine vinegar, 60 ml apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simmer over medium heat, then pour the mixture over the onions. Press the onions down with a spoon to remove air bubbles. Let cool for 20-30 minutes before serving.

Spread ingredients evenly

Layer the ingredients evenly to ensure every bite of your paneer sandwich is balanced. Spread thin, consistent layers of mayonnaise and mustard across the entire surface of the bread slices. When adding avocado, slightly overlap them to cover the bread fully. Distribute the paneer and pickled onions across the sandwich, ensuring they are spread to the edges to avoid uneven bites.

FAQ: Questions about paneer sandwich

With our full-flavoured recipe, creating the perfect paneer sandwich is simple. Our FAQ answers some of the most commonly asked questions.

Can I prepare the paneer sandwich in advance?

Yes, you can prepare parts of the paneer sandwich in advance, but we recommend assembling it just before serving for the best texture and flavour. You can cook the paneer and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The same applies to the pickled onions, which can last up to three weeks in the fridge. However, to keep the bread from becoming soggy, toast and assemble the sandwich with fresh ingredients right before serving for the best result.

Do I need a sandwich toaster to make a paneer sandwich?

No, you do not need a sandwich toaster for a paneer sandwich. For a crispy texture, you can use a cast-iron skillet, grill pan, or sandwich maker and cook until the bread is golden.

How should I store the paneer sandwich?

If you need to store an assembled sandwich, wrap it tightly in cling film or an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. However, the bread may lose its crispness over time, so try only to assemble as many sandwiches as you plan on eating.

Other recipes

See more

Easy pan-fried paneer sandwich with avocado and pickled red onion

Sandwiches are meant to be quick and easy to prepare. With our recipe for a pan-fried paneer sandwich, you can cook a sandwich with many delicious ingredients in just a few simple steps. Layered between two toasted pieces of crunchy bread, you will experience the joy of crisp and creamy textures. The golden, pan-fried paneer provides a satisfying chew, while the avocado adds a smooth, creamy touch. Lettuce and quick-pickled red onions bring a crisp freshness and a tangy touch, making you excited for one bite after the other.

We have a wide selection of paneer-based recipes, for example, our delicious paneer butter masala or paneer stir-fry. The cheese is also used to bring an indulgent element to Indian curries, so try preparing a portion of paneer and chickpea curry or paneer and spinach curry.

Spicy and slightly smoky flavour with tandoori spice

The tandoori spice coats the paneer in a layer of warm flavours. As it fries, the spice blend releases aromatic notes, creating a slightly smoky and spicy profile. Basting the cheese with butter as it cooks allows it to develop a golden-brown colour and a nice crispy texture. When showered repeatedly in butter, it caramelises and seals in the tandoori spices. That way, every bite of paneer comes with warm and inviting flavours.

A taste of India in just 10 minutes

Indian cuisine is known for its bold and diverse spices. We have taken that to heart and injected our well-seasoned paneer sandwich with traditional tandoori seasoning. Enjoy the paneer sandwich as an easy-to-make lunch or a grab-and-go meal similar to Indian street food. Indian dishes are also known worldwide for their emphasis on layers of flavours. As spicy mustard, rich mayonnaise, creamy avocado, and tangy pickled onion join the pan-fried paneer, you quickly realise the many layers of goodness stacked in this sandwich.

Adapt the recipe to your liking

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to personalise it according to your tastes. If you prefer your meals with extra heat, you can easily spice up the recipe. The tandoori has nuances of heat, but to intensify it, sprinkle red chilli powder over the paneer before you cook it. This will give it a warm kick.

Exploring different types of bread can also make a change.  With its airy, open crumb and crisp exterior, ciabatta offers a light yet crunchy texture. The mild, neutral flavour allows the tandoori spices and tangy pickled onions to shine without competing with the other ingredients. Wholemeal or multigrain bread introduces an earthy, nutty note that complements the fresh, crisp lettuce and the tanginess of the pickled onions. The denser, slightly chewy texture of wholemeal bread provides a heartier, more filling base.

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