Potato masala panini

Panini can be explained as a crispy grilled sandwich. If this delicious sandwich gets the fillings in Indian flavor, then it will definitely satisfy our tastebuds :) This is another recipe I got from my neighbor aunty. She calls this as Mumbai style grilled sandwich. Hubby and me absolutely love this very much. While making potato subzi for chapati, I reserve a  little for this panini or masal dosai and by this way we can save some time. Also this is a nice way to use leftover vegetable curries and also a good idea to make kids eat their vegetables:)
Also check out my capsicum panini.

Ingredients:
sandwich bread - 6 slices
potato masala - 4 tbsp (see below for recipe)
onion - 1/4 cup
butter - 1 tsp (each)
Indian green chutney - 1/4 cup
tomato sauce - 1 tsp each sandwich

Method:
Heat the panini maker to maximum heat with the lid closed. After we see the ready button glowing, open the grill. (Read and follow the instructions carefully if it is the first time).
In the mean time place the required bread slices (3 slices) on a plate and spread 1 tbsp green chutney and few slices of onion, 1 tsp tomato sauce over the breads.
Take few more bread slices and  spread the potato masala over them. Close the green chutney covered slices with these aloo covered bread slices.

Rub a piece of butter on panini press (bottom plate) in a small area and  place the prepared sandwich.(one set at a time).
Place the lid gently (no locking) and the by the weight of the top plate the sandwich will get thin and crunchy  in one minute.
If needed apply some more butter on top of sandwich and press again gently.
Take out using a spatula, slice and serve while it is hot.
Potato masala panini is ready!

Serving suggestion:
Makes a main course meal in breakfast or dinner.
Serve with Indian chai tea or orange juice as breakfast.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I )Spicy potato masala curry:  
This is one of the best fillings I make for potato paratha, spicy masal dosai, etc. We can use the below curry as side dish for chapati too . This curry should be thick and should be spreadable. Keep this handy to amaze your loving family.

Potato masala:
Boiled potato - 3
red onion - 1/2
ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp
turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
red chilli powder - 1 tsp
cilantro - few leaves.
salt - to taste
garam masala / curry masala powder - 3/4 tsp

Method:
 Peel the boiled potatoes and mash almost finely.
Heat oil  in a wok, add fennel (sombu). As it gets red, add finely chopped onion. After the onion gets soft, add ginger garlic paste and saute till raw smell goes. Add the turmeric powder, chili powder, curry masala powder and mix for 10 seconds. Then add the mashed potatoes, salt, cilantro and cook covered with handful of water for 5 minutes.
After switching off sprinkle lemon juice and keep aside.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
II) Easy potato masala for filling:
Pressure cook the potatoes. Peel and mash them as finely as possible. Add salt, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, red chilly powder and chopped cilantro. Mix well and keep refrigerated.
This is the easy version to make potato fillings in any Indian recipe.

Ginger lemon juice

Here is  a very unique lemon juice I learned from my mom (handed down through generations),  which can make any one feel better immediately during summer. I am not sure of all the scientific details behind this , but I am sure this will give a lot of energy. Hubby likes this juice very much and I make this often during summer. This became my brother inlaw's favorite too and I was surprised to hear him remembering and asking for this simple juice when they visited us after many years. Also I was very glad to see our little niece Nissi enjoying this juice:) Even before seeing me, she was saying over phone that 'Periyamma (aunt) ,I am eager to see you '... I don't know how she started liking me even without seeing and also her surprising affection as soon as she met me made me very happy. She spent every moment with me when she was here with us and enjoyed whatever I cooked and fed her with smile . She climbed on the kitchen counter and sat to learn/ help with my kulfi ice cream recipe too:) .  I have never met anyone like her in that age with such an enthusiasm:)  Isn't it the crowing moment for a lady like me:) So I am happily noting down the recipe for her.

Ginger lemon juice

Ingredients:
Lemon - 1
jaggery (Indian brown sugar) - 3/4 cup (as per taste)
coriander seed - handful
ginger - finger long
water - 5 cups

Method:
Warm 2 cups of water and dissolve the jaggery. No need to filter, as we will be serving the clear top layer only.
Peel the ginger and chop it.
Grind together whole coriander seeds and ginger using some water. Extract the juice from using a filter. Take out all the juice from coriander seed by filtering twice or thrice using 2 more cups of water.
Take this juice along with jaggery solution. Keep refrigerated or in room temperature up to 2 hours only (I prefer serving immediately in room temperature).
After 10 minutes we will see some sediments in the bottom....discard this bottom layer.
Before serving, squeeze the juice of one whole lemon mix well and adjust jaggery and lemon to taste.
Ginger lemon juice is ready!
 
Serving suggestions:
Makes a refreshing drink during summer.