Mumbai Style Masala Toast
Mumbai Style Masala Toast is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Anukriti Cooking Recipes on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 22 min | Total: 1 hr 12 min
Cost: $38.59 total, $9.65 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 cup Spinach (raw, washed and roughly chopped)
- 1 cup Coriander Leaves (with stems, tightly packed)
- 0.75 cup Mint Leaves (fresh, tightly packed)
- 20 pieces Garlic Cloves (with skins, for both chutneys)
- 6 pieces Green Chilies (moderately spicy, deseeded if desired)
- 1 cup Water (for blending green chutney)
- 0.25 cup Roasted Peanuts (unsalted, for texture and flavor)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1.5 tsp Cumin Seeds (for green chutney; additional 0.5 tsp for red chutney)
- 1.25 tsp Kala Namak (black salt, adds tangy flavor)
- 1.5 tsp Garam Masala (half tsp in green chutney, half tsp in potato masala)
- 1 tsp Dry Mango Powder (Amchur) (adds sourness to green chutney)
- 1.5 tsp Salt (plain table salt)
- 5 tbsp Groundnut Oil (for green chutney shelf life and red chutney)
- 2 pieces Dry Pav (crushed, helps keep bread from getting soggy)
- 20 pieces Kashmiri Red Chilies (mild, bright red for color)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed for red chutney)
- 0.5 kg Boiled Potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 1 inch Ginger (peeled and roughly chopped)
- 0.5 tsp Mustard Seeds (for tempering potato masala)
- pinch Asafoetida (Hing) (adds depth to potato masala)
- 0.25 tsp Turmeric Powder (for color and flavor)
- 0.25 tsp Nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
- 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (chopped, for garnish in potato masala)
- 8 slices White Sandwich Bread (Britannia style, slightly firm)
- 6 tbsp Butter (softened, unsalted)
- 4 pieces Cheese Slices (processed cheese, optional)
- 1 small Beetroot (boiled and thinly sliced)
- 1 medium Cucumber (thinly sliced)
- 1 large Tomato (thinly sliced)
- 1 medium Capsicum (any color, thinly sliced)
- 1 tsp Chat Masala (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
Prepare Green Chutney
Add raw spinach, coriander leaves, mint leaves, garlic cloves, green chilies and 1 cup water into the blender. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, add roasted peanuts, black pepper, cumin seeds, kala namak, garam masala, amchur, salt, groundnut oil and crushed dry pav. Mix to a fine paste.
Time: PT10M
Prepare Red Garlic Chutney
In a saucepan, combine Kashmiri red chilies and garlic cloves with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook for 7 minutes. Drain and let cool. Blend the boiled chilies and garlic with cumin seeds, kala namak, lemon juice, salt, roasted peanuts and groundnut oil to a smooth paste.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 100°C
Make Potato Masala Paste
In the blender, combine green chilies, ginger, garlic cloves, and lemon juice. Blend to a fine paste. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Cook Potato Masala
Heat 2 tbsp groundnut oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds; let them splutter. Add a pinch of hing, then the chili‑ginger‑garlic paste. Stir for 1 minute, then add turmeric powder. Add the boiled potatoes, mashing them directly in the pan, and mix well. Sprinkle garam masala, nutmeg, kala namak and chopped coriander leaves. Cook on high flame for about 1 minute, stirring continuously, until the potatoes are well coated and fragrant.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 180°C
Slice Fresh Vegetables
Thinly slice boiled beetroot, cucumber, tomato and capsicum using a sharp knife or mandoline.
Time: PT5M
Butter and Spread Chutneys on Bread
Spread a thin layer of softened butter on each slice of bread. On one side of each slice, spread green chutney; on the opposite side, spread red garlic chutney. Adjust amount according to desired heat level.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Sandwich
On the chutney‑coated side of a bread slice, spread a generous layer of potato masala, then layer beetroot, capsicum, tomato, cucumber and a slice of cheese. Sprinkle a pinch of chat masala if desired. Top with the second slice of bread, chutney sides facing inward.
Time: PT5M
Toast the Sandwich
Pre‑heat the sandwich toaster or panini press. Place the assembled sandwich inside, close the lid and toast for about 5 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and crisp.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 180°C
Finish and Serve
Remove the sandwich, cut diagonally with a sharp knife, brush the outer sides with a little extra butter, and sprinkle a final pinch of chat masala and a drizzle of green chutney if desired. Serve hot.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Peanuts, Gluten, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Spinach: Kale, Swiss chard
- Instead of Coriander Leaves: Cilantro
- Instead of Mint Leaves: Basil
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic paste (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Green Chilies: Jalapeño, Serrano
- Instead of Roasted Peanuts: Cashews, Almonds
- Instead of Cumin Seeds: Coriander seeds
- Instead of Kala Namak: Regular salt with a pinch of lemon juice
- Instead of Dry Mango Powder (Amchur): Lemon zest
- Instead of Groundnut Oil: Peanut oil, Olive oil
- Instead of Dry Pav: Bread crumbs
- Instead of Kashmiri Red Chilies: Paprika (for color)
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice
- Instead of Boiled Potatoes: Sweet potatoes
- Instead of Ginger: Ground ginger (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Mustard Seeds: Cumin seeds
- Instead of Asafoetida (Hing): Garlic powder (1/8 tsp)
- Instead of Nutmeg: Mace
- Instead of White Sandwich Bread: Whole wheat sandwich bread
- Instead of Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Cheese Slices: Paneer slices
- Instead of Beetroot: Carrot
- Instead of Cucumber: Zucchini
- Instead of Tomato: Tomato puree (for moisture)
- Instead of Capsicum: Bell pepper
- Instead of Chat Masala: Chaat masala
Equipment Needed
- Blender or Food Processor
- Saucepan
- Frying Pan or Kadhai
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Sandwich Toaster / Panini Press
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Adding dry pav to green chutney prevents the bread from getting soggy.
- Boiling red chilies and garlic just enough to retain bright color.
- Tempering mustard and cumin seeds correctly for the potato masala.
- Cooking the potato masala on high flame for a crisp flavor.
- Toasting the sandwich until golden brown for authentic crunch.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use Kashmiri red chilies for vibrant color without excessive heat.
- Fresh coriander and mint give the green chutney its signature freshness.
- Groundnut oil extends the shelf life of chutneys and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
- Room‑temperature butter spreads easily and creates a moisture barrier.
- Toast the sandwich on medium flame; too high heat can burn the outside before the inside warms.
Troubleshooting
Bread becomes soggy after adding chutney.
Ensure the green chutney contains crushed dry pav and use only a thin layer of chutney. Toast the sandwich immediately after assembly.
Chutney is too thick.
Add a little water (for green chutney) or more oil (for red chutney) and blend again until desired consistency.
Potato masala is dry and falls apart.
Mash the potatoes while hot and add a drizzle of oil; cook on high flame for a minute to bind the masala.
Sandwich is not crispy enough.
Pre‑heat the toaster well and press the sandwich firmly; increase to medium‑high heat for the last minute.
Storage
Refrigerator: Green and red chutneys keep for 10‑15 days in airtight jars. Potato masala can be stored for 2 days.
Freezer: Chutneys freeze well for up to 1 month; thaw in refrigerator before use.
Room temperature: Assembled sandwich should be eaten immediately; it will become soggy if left at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare both green and red chutneys 1‑2 days ahead and store in the fridge.
- Potato masala can be made a day ahead; reheat gently before assembling.
- Keep butter softened at room temperature for easy spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Masala Toast Sandwich in Mumbai street food culture?
Masala Toast Sandwich is a beloved Mumbai roadside snack that emerged from the city's bustling street stalls. It combines the city's love for spicy chutneys, buttery toasted bread, and quick‑cook potato masala, making it an affordable, portable meal for commuters and students.
What regional variations of Masala Toast Sandwich exist within Indian cuisine?
In Maharashtra, the sandwich often uses a spicy red garlic chutney and a green coriander‑mint chutney. In Delhi, a version may include tamarind chutney and use whole‑grain bread. South Indian stalls sometimes add a thin layer of coconut chutney and replace potatoes with spiced paneer.
How is Masala Toast Sandwich traditionally served in Mumbai?
Street vendors serve it hot, wrapped in newspaper or a foil packet, with a side of extra red chutney for dipping. It is usually eaten as a quick snack in the evening or as a light breakfast with a cup of chai.
During which occasions is Masala Toast Sandwich especially popular in Mumbai culture?
It is a go‑to snack during monsoon evenings, college festivals, and local fairs. Many families also prepare it for weekend brunches because it is quick, tasty, and loved by children.
What makes Masala Toast Sandwich special compared to other Indian sandwiches?
The sandwich’s uniqueness lies in the dual‑chutney system—green and red—plus the dry‑pav‑infused green chutney that keeps the bread crisp. The high‑heat tempering of potato masala adds a smoky depth not found in typical veggie sandwiches.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Masala Toast Sandwich versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include raw spinach, fresh coriander, mint, Kashmiri red chilies, groundnut oil, and dry pav. Acceptable substitutes are kale for spinach, peanut butter for roasted peanuts, and olive oil for groundnut oil, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Masala Toast Sandwich at home?
Common errors include using too much chutney, which makes the bread soggy, skipping the dry pav in the green chutney, over‑cooking the red chilies (which dulls their color), and not pressing the sandwich firmly during toasting, resulting in a limp texture.
Why does this Masala Toast Sandwich recipe use a high flame for cooking the potato masala instead of a low simmer?
A high flame quickly evaporates excess moisture and caramelizes the spices, giving the potato masala a roasted, slightly crispy coating that mimics the street‑style flavor. A low simmer would leave the mixture soggy and less aromatic.
Can I make Masala Toast Sandwich ahead of time and how should I store the components?
Yes. Prepare both chutneys and the potato masala up to 2 days in advance; store them in airtight jars in the refrigerator. Assemble the sandwich just before toasting to keep the bread crisp. Leftover toasted sandwiches can be reheated in a pan for a minute.
What does the YouTube channel Anukriti Cooking Recipes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Anukriti Cooking Recipes specializes in Indian home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on easy‑to‑follow, street‑food‑inspired dishes, regional snacks, and quick meals that can be prepared with everyday kitchen ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Anukriti Cooking Recipes' approach to Indian street food differ from other Indian cooking channels?
Anukriti Cooking Recipes emphasizes replicating authentic roadside flavors at home using simple techniques, detailed ingredient explanations, and tips for preserving texture (like the dry‑pav trick). Unlike many channels that simplify recipes, Anukriti retains the bold spices and textures that define Mumbai street snacks.
Last updated: August 24, 2026






