Between college fees, travel expenses, assignments and the occasional coffee run, keeping food expenses in check can be quite a task for students. And when hunger strikes between lectures or during a late-night study session, ordering in can feel tempting. But here's the thing: you don't need fancy ingredients or an expensive grocery list to put together something delicious.
Without much effort, you can make warm, crispy sandwiches using common ingredients like bread, potatoes, onions, and leftover veggies with a handy Usha Sandwich Grill.
Here are six inexpensive sandwich options that will show you that cheap meals don't have to skimp on quality. Choose from spicy aloo fillings, cheesy corn, or leftover sabzi; the options are all within your budget.
1. Masala Aloo Sandwich
Potatoes are a student kitchen staple for a reason: they're affordable, filling and incredibly versatile. For a quick masala aloo sandwich, mash boiled potatoes with chopped onions, green chillies, coriander, salt, roasted cumin powder and a pinch of chaat masala. Spread the mixture generously between bread slices, brush the outside with a little butter and grill until golden and crisp. The spicy, soft potato filling paired with crunchy bread makes this a comforting bite that doesn't need much else.
Pair them with a comforting cup of chai or soup, and your affordable meal is ready.
2. Chutney And Cucumber Sandwich
When you want something quick and refreshing, a chutney and cucumber sandwich is a simple way to make the most of ingredients you may already have at home. Spread green chutney on bread slices, layer thinly sliced cucumber and onions, and add a little chaat masala for extra zing. You can include a slice of cheese if your budget allows, but the sandwich is flavourful even without it. Grill lightly until the bread turns crisp and the filling is just warmed through. Since cucumber releases moisture, pat the slices dry before assembling to keep the bread from turning soggy.
If you are making this up for a late-night study break, enjoy it with a cosy cup of masala chai made in your Usha electric kettle.
3. Leftover Sabzi Sandwich
That leftover aloo gobhi, mixed vegetable sabzi or dry bhindi sitting in the fridge can become a surprisingly satisfying sandwich filling. Lightly mash or chop the vegetables, making sure to drain any excess moisture, then add a little grated cheese or a spoonful of chutney if you have some handy. Spread the filling between bread slices and grill in a sandwich grill until the outside is crisp and the insides are warmed through. The familiar flavours of home-cooked sabzi get a crunchy makeover, making this a clever way to avoid food waste and save money on another meal.
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4. Spiced Onion And Tomato Sandwich
You don't need an elaborate filling to make a tasty sandwich. Finely chop onions and tomatoes, remove excess juice from the tomatoes and mix them with green chillies, coriander, salt and a pinch of chaat masala. Spread the mixture over bread, add a little grated cheese if you like, and grill until the bread is crisp and the filling is hot. The sweetness of the onions, the tang of the tomatoes and the gentle heat of the chillies make this a flavourful option using inexpensive ingredients. Serve it with a cup of ginger tea made using your kettle for a quick snack between classes.
5. Cheesy Corn Sandwich
Sweet corn and cheese make a lovely combination, and you can keep this sandwich affordable by using a modest amount of cheese rather than loading it up. Mix boiled sweet corn with chopped onions, a little grated cheese, black pepper and chilli flakes. Spread the filling evenly between bread slices and grill using a sandwich grill until the cheese melts and the bread develops a golden crust.
The corn adds a natural sweetness and a little bite, while the melted cheese brings everything together. If you have leftover boiled corn from another meal, this is an easy way to use it up.
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6. Peanut Butter And Banana Sandwich
For days when you want something sweet without reaching for packaged snacks, try a peanut butter and banana sandwich. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on bread, arrange sliced banana on top and sprinkle with a little cinnamon if you have it. Cover with another slice and grill until the bread is crisp and the banana turns soft and warm. The creamy peanut butter and naturally sweet banana make a satisfying combination, especially when you're short on time.
Enjoy it with a cup of hot milk or coffee prepared using your kettle for a simple breakfast or evening snack.