Toasty Sandwich

It is finally raining in California....yipeeeee!!! Yes I have been so happy and excited, and every drop of rain and smell of moist soil has been reminding me of my hometown, Mumbai. Although these rains are no where close to what it rains in Mumbai, atleast something is better than nothing. With the drought situation in California, this bit of rain moistens the soil for my trees and plants. And just the thought of that is making me happy :)

The climate is also getting cold and chilli. For my parents (who are visiting us from Mumbai), it is super cold. They have been sitting at home all bundled up. We went for a walk yesterday in cold, drizzling climate. I had to explain them that just a sweater is not enough in this climate. They should have layers of fabric on them and a warm jacket to protect from the cold winds. Yes, this climate is very new to them and I am sure they will like it in few days. We have planned to make hot and spicy Pav Bhaji over the weekend. That way we can enjoy the climate as well as the hot food sitting in the backyard.

Rains remind me of Mumbai and street food of Mumbai. And although I love the yellow masala toast sandwich a lot, yesterday what came to my mind was Toasty Sandwich. Rambharose Sandwich stall was very popular where I grow up in the town area of Mumbai, Fort close to CST station (formerly known as VT station). This small roadside booth was famous amongst commuters. If you know Pancham Puriwala restaurant (famous for puri bhaji), Rambharose is just close to it. A quick parcel of freshly prepared toast sandwich would be nutritious and satisfying and very affordable for people. What made his sandwich different and special was the potato filling with the secret ingredient Kidney beans/boiled Rajma. I have never had any sandwich in Mumbai with Rajma in it and this was indeed special. A basic potato filling with few boiled kidney beans and peas would provide texture and taste to this sandwich. With my parents being with me, It was indeed a nostalgic moment for all of us while we enjoyed Rambharose style toasty sandwich.

Ckick here for the recipe of Masala Toast Sandwich

Ingredients to make 6 Toasty Sandwiches:
12 slices of sandwich bread
Salted butter
Spicy cilantro chutney
2 ripe tomatoes

For the filling:
2 large or 3 medium potatoes (boiled and mashed)
1/2 cup rajma/kidney beans (soaked and boiled)
1/4 cup green peas (blanched)
Salt to taste
Juice of 1 lime
Ginger and green chilli paste (to taste)
2 tbsp. chopped cilantro
2 tbsp. Garam Masala powder (or to taste)

To make the filling:

• Mix all the ingredients well. Give a taste test to add spice or salt to suit your taste.
• Divide potato filling into 6 parts and keep it aside to make sandwiches.

To Assemble:

• Apply butter and chutney on every bread slice.
• Place 1 part of potato filling on each slice.
• Place thinly sliced tomatoes and sprinkle some salt over it.
• Place another slice of bread over the filling.
• Toast the sandwich in your favorite sandwich press.
• Cut into pieces and serve with ketchup and chutney.

Here is step-by-step pictorial recipe:

Rajma, pea, and potato filling.

Can you guess the place in this mug?

Enjoy the Rains!

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