East Indian tea sandwiches

The Cilantro-Peanut Spread is a zesty complement to the cooling flavors of the cucumber and potato in the filling for these out-of-the-ordinary sandwiches. For more intensity, add an extra Thai chili pepper; for a less assertive flavor, substitute a jalapeno or serrano.

 

Sandwich Spread

¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves

1 Thai chili pepper, coarsely chopped (seeds included)

¼ cup plain yogurt

1 tablespoon unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts

1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

Dash of salt, or to taste

 

Sandwich Filling

1 red boiling potato

Dash of salt

 

Bread

4 slices of white potato bread, crusts removed

To complete the recipe

Four ¼-inch-thick tomato slices

Dash of freshly ground pepper

Dash of salt

½ cucumber, peeled and diagonally cut into eight ½-inch-thick slices

Two 1/8 inch-thick red onion slices

 

To make the sandwich spread, process all of the ingredients in a food processor until the peanuts are finely chopped but not puréed. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

To make the filling, cover the potato with water in a small saucepan; add a dash of salt. Cover the pan and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-high and cook until the potato is fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water, then drain again. (Or cook the potato in the microwave.) Allow the potato to cool, then cut into about eight ¼-inch-thick slices.

To prepare the bread, lightly toast the bread slices. Spread ¼ of the peanut spread on each bread slice.

To assemble each sandwich, top the spread on 1 bread slice with half of the potato and tomato slices; sprinkle with pepper and salt. Then add a layer each of cucumber and onion slices. Close the sandwich with another bread slice, spread side down, and slice it diagonally twice to form 4 triangles.

Advance preparation

This spread will keep for up to 2 days in a covered container in the refrigerator. Assemble the sandwiches up to 1 hour before serving; if held longer, the toasted bread will soften.


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