Easy Paneer & Mint Toaster Sandwiches

an old-fashioned snack with an updated twist

Toaster sandwiches are so terribly old fashioned.

But they are good, simple and soulful in many ways, not to mention - so very easy to assemble.

This particular toaster sandwich is perhaps my favorite kind of toaster sandwiche - because it brings a smile to every face when it comes to the table! I made it just this past weekend when we had eaten a really late brunch and it was too early for another meal. Filled with the creamy goodness of home-made paneer and just a light hint of herbs and spices, it makes for a satisfying snack or a light lunch too.

You could replace paneer with small curd ricotta (drained) for a quick grocery store adaptation. This filling can be made up to 3 days in advance.

Makes: 8, two slice sandwiches Diet: Vegetarian Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time, Ease: 15 minutes, Easy

Ingredients 2 tblsp cooking oil 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp nigella seeds 2 tspns. ginger paste ¼ cup grated carrots (optional) 1½ cup home-made paneer, crumbled 2 tblspn. chopped mint leaves 1 tspn lemon juice Salt, to taste 1 loaf Sandwich bread of choice (Italian or other), edges trimmed - optional.

Method Heat oil and temper with cumin and nigella seeds. Add ginger paste and allow this to cook for 1 minutes and quickly follow with grated carrots. Sautee them for a minute and remove from heat. Mix this into remaining ingredients, season with salt and set aside as stuffing.

Prepare a sandwich maker (or a Panini press) with a light basting of olive oil or butter. Fill the paneer stuffing within two slices of bread and allow it to cook until the crust is golden.

Serve hot with mint-coconut chutney or even a spicy ketchup.

PS: I've found that a pizza wheel is really helpful when trying to cut triangular pieces away from the finished sandwich.