Give Your Regular Sandwich A Festive Spin, 3 Recipes Inside
Image Credit: Contact grill by Glen

Who wouldn’t love to tuck into the season’s most favourite ingredients and flavours wedged between two slices of bread? Contrary to popular belief that sandwiches are only meant for a quick meal between work meetings, this wholesome food can actually be given a lavish spin to make it perfect for festive indulgence. If you too love sandwiches and wouldn’t mind experimenting a bit in your kitchen this holiday season, we bring you three interesting recipes to try. You can savour these sandwiches with your family at home or serve them to your guests during the next house party.

Perfect for the young and old, the best thing about these sandwiches is that they are easy to prepare (you can use Glen’s grill and sandwich makers) and very delicious. Here are the recipes:

1. Loaded Spiced Turkey Naan

If you love turkey, you can’t say no to this delicious treat. A festive season delight, the recipe for Loaded Spiced Turkey Naan includes leftover turkey and tikka spiced naans, jazzed up by the sweetness of mango chutney and a simple pea relish. Follow the steps below to make it at home this season.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp curry paste
  • 4 tbsp natural yoghurt
  • 200 gm cooked turkey (cut into large chunks)
  • ¼ tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp mint sauce
  • 2 naan breads
  • 3 tbsp mango chutney
  • A few thin slices of red onion
  • 1 tomato (chopped)
  • Mint leaves (optional)

For the pea relish:

  • 100 gm peas (defrosted)
  • 3 spring onions (finely chopped)
  • A handful of leaves mint
  • ½ red chilli (finely chopped)
  • 1 tsp groundnut oil
  • A squeeze of lemon juice

Method:

  • Mix the curry paste and 1 tbsp of the yoghurt in a bowl, then mix the turkey in and leave for 10 minutes.
  • In another bowl, mix the remaining yoghurt with the turmeric and mint sauce.
  • To make the pea relish, toss all of the ingredients together in a bowl with lots of seasoning.
  • Warm the naan bread in the oven or toaster griller (check out Glen’s grill and sandwich makers).
  • Spread the turkey on a baking sheet and grill on high until a little charred and heated through.
  • Put the naans on plates and spread over the mango chutney. Top with the turkey, onion, tomato, and pea relish.
  • Then drizzle with the minty yoghurt. 
  • Finish it off with mint leaves sprinkled on top.

2. Pesto Chicken Panini

Give a yummy spin to your regular sandwich with this easy and quick recipe. Pesto Chicken Panini a delicious mix of chicken, pesto, spinach, mayonnaise, and more. You can enjoy the sandwich during festive occasions and even on a lazy afternoon. Take a look at the steps below.  

Ingredients:

  • 1 packet of chicken tenders (rinsed and patted dry)
  • ½ cup prepared pesto
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 loaf ciabatta bread (sliced in half horizontally)
  • 4 slices pre-sliced mozzarella
  • 1 cup spinach (rinsed and patted dry)
  • 2 tomatoes (sliced)
  • 15 fresh basil leaves

Method:

  • In a plastic bag, combine chicken tenders and pesto. 
  • Set aside and let sit for 15 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, stir together pesto and mayonnaise. 
  • Spread the mixture on both sides of the ciabatta and set aside.
  • Preheat an oiled grill pan over medium-high heat (check out Glen’s grill and sandwich makers). 
  • Grill chicken tenders 5 min per side. Remove and let rest for 5 mins. Turn the heat down to medium and re-oil the grill pan.
  • Place cheese on both halves of bread. Add spinach, then tomato, basil leaves, and pesto chicken to the bottom piece. 
  • Top with the top half of the bread. Place onto the grill pan and place a heavy pan on top of the sandwich. 
  • Grill for 3 mins per side or until the cheese starts to melt.
  • Cut into 4 portions and serve.

3. Chicken and Caramelised Onion Sandwich

High in flavour and low in fat, this tasty sandwich is loaded with protein but easy on your tummy. The best thing about this wholesome meal is that you can prepare it the way you like - sauté it, fry it, toss it, bake it, or steam it. A must-add to your festive menu, you can also tuck into it on a working day. Here’s Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s recipe for you.  

Ingredients:

  • 1 boneless chicken breast (boiled and shredded)
  • 2 medium onions (sliced into rings and layers separated)
  • 8 white bread triangular slices
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • Melted butter, as required
  • Cheddar cheese (grated)
  • Mozzarella cheese (grated)
  • French fries, to serve

Method:

  • Heat butter in a non-stick pan and when it melts, add onion rings, salt, thyme and sugar.
  • Sauté until the onions turn golden brown. Discard the thyme.
  • For each sandwich, take 2 bread slices, apply melted butter on both sides and place them on the worktop. 
  • Place some caramelised onions on one slice, on that place some shredded chicken, some cheddar cheese, and some mozzarella cheese. Cover with the second slice.
  • Heat a non-stick pan or a toaster griller (check out Glen’s grill and sandwich makers), place the sandwich in it and cook until the underside turns golden brown.
  • Flip and cook until the other side turns golden brown and the cheese melts.
  • Halve the sandwich and place on a serving plate and serve hot with French fries.