This paneer pesto grilled sandwich was my IPL final day snack. The pesto is made from scratch with roasted pumpkin seeds instead of pine nuts, fresh basil, parsley, olive oil and lemon.
Cubed malai paneer and jalapeños are mixed into the pesto, then grilled between bread with cheese slices until golden.
Paneer Pesto Grilled Sandwich
Quick Details
Serves: 3 to 4
Time: about 30 minutes
Diet: Vegetarian
Serves: 3 to 4
Time: about 30 minutes
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the pumpkin seed pesto
- 100 g pumpkin seeds roasted
- 4 cups basil fresh
- 1/2 cup parsley fresh
- 6 tablespoons olive oil plus a little more
- 6 tablespoons lemon juice
- 5 teaspoons black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon salt
- water as needed
For the sandwich
- 3 teaspoons jalapeños chopped
- 200 g malai paneer cubed, I used Akshayakalpa
- bread slices
- cheese slices I used D’lecta
- oil for grilling
Instructions
- Roast. Roast the pumpkin seeds in a dry pan.
- Make the pesto. Blend the pumpkin seeds, basil and parsley in batches with the olive oil and water. Add the lemon juice, black pepper and salt and blend again.
- Make the filling. Transfer the pesto to a bowl, check the seasoning and mix in the jalapeños and paneer.
- Assemble. Spread 2 tablespoons of filling on a slice of bread, add a cheese slice and top with another slice.
- Grill. Grill with a little oil until the cheese melts, flipping to toast both sides. Serve hot.
Video
Tips for the Best Paneer Pesto Grilled Sandwich
- Roast the pumpkin seeds until they just start to pop.
- Blend in batches and add the oil and water a little at a time.
- Batch make the pesto. It keeps in the fridge for a week.
- Press the sandwich lightly while grilling so it toasts evenly.
Storage
Store the pesto in a jar in the fridge for up to a week, topped with a little olive oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why pumpkin seeds?
They are more affordable than pine nuts and taste just as good.
Can I use this pesto for pasta?
Yes. Toss it with pasta and a ladle of pasta water.
Make this for your next match night and tell me how it turned out. Watch the recipe video on YouTube and follow @askdeepa_ on Instagram for more.
