Fancy restaurants, expensive food and bills that rip through the pocket hardly have to be the motif for Friday nights. Do away with extravagant dinners and opt for homemade spreads that are comfort and luxury rolled into one. Using just a simple sandwich griller or toaster and basic bartending tools and cocktail ingredients, it is possible to craft sophisticated spreads that fit right into the weekend night theme.
Generously stuffed sandwiches, filled with simple but delicious ingredients can turn Friday dinner into a luxury affair on a budget. Paired with complementary cocktails, this menu can work wonders for a get together with friends, an intimate dinner with loved ones or a classic date night.
Mumbai Masala, Cheese Edition
Pair With: Rum And Cola
Bread Recommendation: White Or Multigrain
Prepare a delicious street-style sandwich, that is a staple in Mumbai’s culinary cultures. One twist to the recipe comprising spiced, mashed potatoes, sliced onions and capsicum stuffed into white bread can be the addition of lots of grated cheese. Generously lather the bread in butter before grilling and after it is brought out of the toaster or griller. Pair this spicy, buttery, cheesy number with a classic tropical cocktail like a dark rum and cola highball. The sweet and tart flavours and fizzy textures of this simple drink will balance out the spiciness of the Mumbai masala toast.
Mint And Veggie Sandwich
Pair With: Vodka Lemonade Fizz
Bread Recommendation: Whole Wheat
One of the best virtues of a vodka-based cocktail is its versatility. Vodka goes well with a lot of citrusy, fruity mixers such as lemonade that brings acidity and punch into the drink. Top this mixture off with just a little bit of soda to craft a bright cocktail which is perfect for casual Friday night hangouts. Pair the vodka lemonade fizz with a delicious veggie sandwich containing diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and a light layer of cheese. Prepare a fresh, zingy and spicy mint chutney as a sandwich spread, that will aptly complement the brightness of the vodka cocktail.
Roast Chicken And Mustard Sandwich
Pair With: Whisky Sour
Bread Recommendation: Sourdough
When you have remnants of roast chicken or shredded chicken leftover in the fridge, use them to prepare a delicious sandwich stuffing laced with flavourful herbs like thyme and rosemary, the pungent notes of garlic and the spice of black pepper. Honey mustard or Dijon mustard can be used as a spread or mixed into the chicken itself. Add chopped shallots and some olives to the sandwich before tossing it in the griller. Pair this robust, indulgently flavoured dinner with a classic cocktail such as the whisky sour. The acidity and subtle bitterness of the blend pairs well with the pronounced flavours of the mustard dressing.
Paneer And Pesto Grilled Sandwich
Pair With: Elderflower And Gin Spritz
Bread Recommendation: Focaccia
Craft an elegant grilled sandwich with a crumbled paneer and pesto stuffing. Lend this more depth with the addition of crispy, chopped purple cabbage and sliced bell peppers. The sandwich can be accompanied by a chic spritzy, fizzy gin cocktail infused with the subtle floral flavours of elderflower liqueur. The freshness of homemade pesto will bond with the spring-like notes of the liqueur, making this a perfect sundowner-style weekend meal.
Mushroom Pepper And Cheese Sandwich
Pair With: Classic Mojito
Bread Recommendation: Ciabatta
The fresh minty touch and sour, acidic quality of a classic mojito will undercut some of the earthy and spicy notes of the mushroom and pepper stuffing that goes into this sandwich. Add just a thin layer of mozzarella or Monterey Jack to lend the sandwich a more indulgent touch. This is the perfect pairing for leisurely Friday nights spent at home with close family, watching a movie or binging on a TV show while grabbing a delicious dinner, all without the takeout expense.