"For Little Tummies" - Sandwiches with 'Walnut-Cilantro Chutney' and Veggies

At 'E's pre-school, parents take turn to provide daily snack. This time I made these sandwiches for his class.I was sure kids would love these...as I know 'E' can eat these for breakfast.... everyday!!!

In India, these sandwiches would be made mostly with 'Coconut-Cilantro' chutney or 'Mint- Cilantro' chutney..and of course ...much spicier. I decided to swap the coconut in the 'Coconut-Cilantro" chutney with walnuts..to make it extra rich in protein and provide some additional nutrition. The 'Walnut-Cilantro' chutney tastes delicious and nutty and could be used as a 'spread' for many other sandwiches, or as 'Dips' for different snacks.

Ingredients:

For the chutney

1/2 cup walnuts

1 cup cilantro

1/4 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp garlic

1/2-1 green chili (add more for spicier chutney)

1/2 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp lemon juice ( to retain green color of the chutney)

salt

sugar

For The Sandwiches:

Sliced bread of your choice

Veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers etc thinly sliced

Butter/margarine/Mayo for spread

Ketchup

Grated cheese (if you like)

Method:

1) Grind together all the ingredients for the chutney into a smooth paste.

2) Cut off the edges of the sliced bread.

3) Spread butter on one slice.On top, spread a teaspoon of the Walnut chutney.

4) Place the veggies, grated cheese on top.

5) To another slice, apply some ketchup and place this slice on top of the veggies.

6) Cut into squares or triangles or rectangles.Serve at room temperature.

Variations:

1) Add mint to the chutney for additional taste

2) Other veggies like onions,green peppers, lettuce etc could be added.

3) A veggie patty or chicken patty can be added to the sandwich to make a 'burger'

"Appetizers"- Paneer Chili Fry/ Paneer Fish Pickle

Paneer Fish Pickle:
Let me clarify the name first....
This dish is actually vegetarian and has no fish whatsoever.The name comes from M's and my college time favorite restaurant in Pune..called 'Savera' on FC college road. They had this dish on menu and called it "Paneer Fish Pickle"....still don't know why. Paneer Chili fry seems to be a more apt name for the dish though!
 M and I used to sneak out there sometimes for lunch and this one was our favorite. It was spicy, tangy ...more like a 'Chinese' dish and served with guess what......Naan!! Now that's fusion of both Indian and Chinese cuisines!

Ingredients:
2 cups cubed Paneer
1 Onion thinly sliced vertically
1 Capsicum thinly sliced vertically
2-3 Green chilies sliced vertically(Add more for spicier taste)
2tsp ginger garlic paste
2tbsp Corn starch
1tbsp Soy sauce
1tsp ketchup
2tsp Sweet and sour sauce/ Sweet chili sauce
1/2tsp black pepper
Cilantro for garnishing
Salt
Oil for frying

Method:
1) Mix together corn starch with little water.Add 1/4th tsp of the black pepper and some salt to make a smooth thick paste.
2) Rub the Paneer cubes with half the ginger-garlic paste
3) Dip the cubes in the corn starch mixture and deep fry till golden brown.Drain well on paper towel.Keep aside.
4) Heat 1tsp oil in a non stick pan.On high flame add the ginger garlic paste, onions, capsicum, chilies etc and stir fry a minute or two. The veggies should remain crisp.
5) Add the fried paneer cubes, soy sauce, ketchup,sweet sour sauce,black pepper,salt if needed and mix.
The dish should taste Spicy-Sour-Sweet. Adjust seasonings accordingly.
6) Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped green cilantro.
7) Serve hot as appetizers or with naan/roti etc.