Sandwiches were popularised by John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich (an aristocrat), in England in 1762. The story goes that Montagu gambled often, which led him to spend many hours at the card table and so he asked the house cook to make him something that he could eat without having to get up from his seat. This is how the sandwich was created. Montagu enjoyed this combination of bread and meat so much that he ate it very often, and it came to be well known in London circles. However, sandwich recipes didn’t show up in American cookbooks until 1815.
Montagu’s cook wasn’t exactly the first person to think of using fillings between slices of bread. When Montagu travelled to Greece and Turkey, where mezze platters were ubiquitous, he found that dips, cheeses, and meats were “sandwiched” between layers of bread. Legend has it that these inspired him. A man named Edward Gibbon also mentioned sandwiches in a diary entry, writing that he’d seen some men in a restaurant enjoying them.
Today, different sandwiches have taken on a life of their own. From elaborate fillings like spiced beef and pickles, to smoked chicken, mustard and olives, home cooks and chefs have been getting creative and experimenting with unusual ingredients. Here are three unconventional sandwiches for you to try at home:
Mango sandwich
While fillings like cucumber and tomato are common, most people wouldn’t think of putting fruit between slices of bread. Mango sandwiches are unusual and can be very tasty if made the right way. Thinly slice some mango and place on a slice of fresh or toasted bread. Sprinkle some salt and chilli powder on top, and cover with another slice of bread.
Bhujia sandwich
Bhujia is a much loved snack across India. People nibble on it while watching TV shows, or even reading books. Mothers and grandmothers have taken this fun snack off the kitchen shelf and turned it into tasty sandwiches for their kids. Slather a couple of slices of bread with butter, and sprinkle some bhujia on one of them. Put the two slices of bread together and enjoy.
Chips sandwich
Packets of Lays Magic Masala and Uncle Chips have nostalgia attached to them and making sandwiches with these is the perfect tribute to these brands that have made childhoods more fun. Slather a slice of bread with either butter or mayonnaise, and carefully place the chips on it one by one, until the entire slice is covered.