Sandwich Masala

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free

This sandwich masala recipe is easy to make and is essential to get the chatpata taste of popular sandwiches such as Bombay sandwich and masala toast. You could even use it for a veg sandwich  Chili Cheese Toast.

You’ve probably heard that Indian spices are the key to cooking its dishes!  The good news is masala recipes are very easy to make.  Some other key spice blends include Chai Masala Powder, Chaat Masala and Achar Masala.

Ingredients

If you cook Indian food often, likely most of these spices are readily available in your pantry! You will use a mix of whole spices and spice powders.

Black salt: adds the sharp taste needed for the blend, do not skip

Dry mango powder (Amchur): adds the tart and tang

Salt: Balances the blend

Fennel seeds: Gives a delicious complexity

Cumin Seeds: Provides earthy “grounding” flavor

Black peppercorns: Gives a bit of spice

Cloves and Cinnamon stick: Provides depth of flavor

Star Anise: Also provides complexity to the blend.  Totally ok to skip if you do not have it.

How to Make Sandwich masala

1. Put pan on stove on low-medium heat.
2. Dry roast black peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise 1-2 minutes. Mix in between.
3. Add in fennel seeds and cumin seeds. Roast for another 2 minutes. Mix in between.
4. Remove from gas and set aside and let cool completely.
5. Break apart the cinnamon sticks using a pestle if you’d like to make it easier to blend.
6. Use a spice grinder or coffee grinder to grind into a fine powder. Add in spice powders and grind once more to blend all ingredients together.

Sandwich Masala Uses

This spice mix can be added to many sandwich recipes such as Bombay sandwich, masala toast etc which are popular street food found on the streets of Mumbai. Many of these sandwiches are served with chutneys spread on the bread slices (most commonly green chutney / cilantro or coriander chutney or a spicy chutney such as garlic chutney).

My favorite way to use it is a simple mayo, cheese, cucumber and lettuce sandwich (tomatoes slices sometimes too!).

Some ideas for vegetable sandwich fillings include: potato masala (aloo masala), cheese, mint leaves, onion slices, green chilies, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce

You can also use it in place of chaat masala in a pinch.

Another idea is to add a bit to raita to change up its flavor or sprinkle on a fruits dish such as fruit chaat.

Storing the Spice

Store the spice mix in an airtight container.  It will stay fresh for 5-6 months. If kept dry it has a long shelf life.

Substitutes

The difference between chaat masala and sandwich masala is the addition of ingredients that add to a more complex flavor.  However, if I have run out of sandwich masala in the past, I have used chaat masala as a substitute.