This masala beans sandwich was inspired by Indian street food shops. It comes in under 10 minutes and is great for a quick lunch or dinner. I used a mix of pinto beans and chickpeas for this recipe. You can use any kind of beans you have at home, a lot of spices and seasonings, vegan yoghurt for a tang and some fresh veggies like bell pepper and red onions. It’s perfect as a cold or warm sandwich filling.

Beans Masala Sandwich served on a white plate with ketchup and lettuce on the side - 1

HOW TO MAKE BEANS MASALA SANDWICH – INGREDIENTS AND SUBS

  • If using a mint coriander chutney , make it first and keep ready. You can choose to omit the slice of bread in the chutney and store in the fridge: Blend coriander leaves, some vegan yoghurt, salt, lemon juice, a knob of fresh ginger, 1-2 green chilies in a blender with just enough water to blend it well. Make sure it has a thick consistency.
  • Spices: I used turmeric powder, ground cumin, kashmiri red chilli powder, ground coriander, Garam Masala, and Chaat masala. You can choose to add or remove any of these according to availability.
  • Onions and bell pepper: You can use red onions or shallots. I suggest you not to use yellow onions as they are more pungent. I used Sliced bell pepper but you can also use shredded cabbage or carrots etc.
  • Cooked beans: I used a mix of leftover pinto beans, chickpeas and some black beans. You can use whatever you have in hand like, white beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, even lentils. You can also sub with boiled and mashed potatoes.
  • Bread: I used a vegan white bread (I say this since I get a lot comments from people telling me sandwich breads aren’t vegan. Well I can read a label missy 😅). You can choose to use whole wheat, whole grain or even sourdough bread.
  • Making the sandwich: I chose to use a classic sandwich maker (that gives a waffle apparently) but if you don’t have one, just use a greased grill or a skillet. Press each side down until golden brown and crispy on each side.
Beans Masala Sandwich - 2

Try other quick, easy and healthy lunche from the blog:

  • Baked Aloo Tikki – Crispy and Healthy
  • Tofu Masala Sandwich
  • Vegan Yoghurt Toast – Spicy
Beans Masala Sandwich - 3

Beans Masala Sandwich – Quick Vegan Lunch

Ingredients1x2x3x

Spicy beans filling:

  • 300 grams cooked legumes: pinto beans chickpeas, black beans, white beans etc
  • 2 tbsp soy yogurt
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp kashmiri red chilli powder
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp Garam Masala
  • ½ teaspoon Chaat masala sub with anchor powder
  • salt to taste

Other Ingredients:

  • 4 slices bread
  • Vegan butter optional
  • 1 onion medium-sized- thinly sliced in rounds
  • 1 red bell pepper small to medium-sized – thinly sliced
  • chaat masala extra to sprinkle on top
  • Mint coriander chutney or ketchup or sriracha or vegan mayo

Instructions

Spicy Beans Filling:

  • Take all the ingredients for the filling in a bowl and mix and mash (with a masher or fork) until everything is well combined but still leaving a few chunks of beans for texture.

Assembly:

  • Take the bread slices and spread some vegan butter (If using) on them.
  • Spread mint coriander chutney/ketchup/sriracha on the slices.
  • Spread the bean filling one side and spread evenly.
  • Then place some thinly sliced onion and thinly sliced bell pepper
  • Sprinkle some chaat masala on top and close with the other slice.
  • Place the beans sandwiches in a preheated sandwich maker (or grill) and cook until golden and crispy
  • Serve with a side salad or just enjoy by itself with more chutney/ketchup or vegan mayo.

These vegan paneer Kathi rolls are inspired by a popular Indian street-food. They are wraps/rolls made with layered parathas (I used oiled roti here) spread with mint-coriander chutney, filled with spicy tofu cube and a fresh veggie salad for crunch. Make it for a quick weeknight meal/ lunch box or serve at your next social gathering and they are sure to be a hit!

Vegan Kathi rolls cut in half an served on a plate with mint coriander chutney on the side in a mini bowl - 4

What is Kathi roll?

Kathi Roll is one of the most popular grab-and-go street food in India. The word Kathi roughly translates to stick. These were traditionally made with meat based kebabs in skewers (hence the word Kathi). The rolls are essentially layered wraps made with spicy sauces, fresh veggies for crunch and the soft meat kebabs.

In India, with a major vegetarian crowd, paneer Kathi rolls are very popular. Being vegan, paneer Kathi rolls are so easy to veganize. I just replaced the paneers with tofu and it tastes EXACTLY like the real vegetarian deal. Trust me!

two Vegan Kathi rolls served on a plate with mint coriander chutney on the side in a mini bowl - 5

Ingredients to make Vegan Kathi Rolls:

  1. Vegan Paneer – I used tofu, but you can sub with chickpeas or rehydrated soy chunks (TVP).
  2. Veggie salad -I used carrots, bell pepper and red onions, with juiced lemon. You can add or sub with tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded cabbage etc.
  3. Spices and aromatics- I used cumin, coriander powder, chaat masala, kala namak (black salt),Kashmiri red chili powder, ginger garlic paste (ground ginger and garlic, garam masala, turmeric. You can also add kasoori methi, pepper and salt.
  4. Roti/Parathas: You can buy frozen layered parathas and use those instead (cooked according to instructions on the pack) or make rotis from scratch and add a bit of oil to it while cooking. Whatever you prefer.
  5. Mint coriander Chutney – Here is the recipe (you can skip the slice of bread in this recipe)
two Vegan Kathi rolls served on a plate with mint coriander chutney on the side in a mini bowl - 6

If you try out this Vegan Kathi Roll recipe, then I would love to know! Ping me on Instagram or comment down below!

Try other snacks and street food inspired recipes from the blog:

  • Vegan Yoghurt Toast – Spicy
  • Baked Aloo Tikki – Crispy and Healthy
  • Tofu masala sandwich
Vegan Kathi rolls cut in half an served on a plate with mint coriander chutney on the side in a mini bowl - 7

Vegan Kathi Roll

Ingredients1x2x3x

For the marinated tofu:

  • 1 block Tofu 400 g
  • 1 Lemon juiced
  • 1/4 cup of Vegan yoghurt
  • ¼ tsp ajwain carom seeds
  • 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste minced ginger and garlic)
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp red chili powder
  • ½ tsp Coriander Powder
  • ½ tsp Cumin Powder
  • ½ tsp Garam Masala Powder
  • ½ tsp Chaat Masala
  • ½ tsp Kala namak Black salt

Salad filling:

  • 1 Bell pepper
  • 1 Carrot
  • 1 Red onion
  • ½ tsp chaat masala
  • ¼ tsp kashmiri red chili powder or red chili powder
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

For Assembly:

  • 4 Rotis/layered Parathas
  • 1 cup Green mint coriander chutney (recipe on the blog)

Instructions

Vegan paneer tikka:

  • In a bowl mix all the ingredients for the marination except the tofu. Taste and add salt to taste.
  • Chop tofu in cubes and add it to the marination.
  • Gently mix let the marination coat the paneer cubes evenly. Cover and keep aside for at least 30 minutes or more in the refrigerator.

Veggie Salad Filling:

  • Thinly slice onion, carrots and bell peppers.
  • Add them all to a bowl. Add all the seasonings for the veggie salad.
  • Mix well and set aside.

Roti:

  • Make roti following the recipe on the blog and add a few drops of oil on the roti
  • You can also use frozen paratha from the store

Making the vegan paneer tikka:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan.
  • Bring to low or medium-low and add the marinated tofu cubes. Add the entire marination.
  • Cook all sides until its brown and crispy
  • Remove from the pan and set aside.

Assembly:

  • Spread 1-2 tbsp of the mint-coriander chutney on a roti.
  • Then line the tofu tikka cubes in the center.
  • Top with the veggie salad.
  • Bring the sides of the roti and make a roll/wrap.
  • Secure it tight with wrapping paper and serve or store in a lunch box if prepping it.
  • Serve it with some tomato ketchup or vegan cheese.

This Bajra Roti is perfect for those looking for a gluten-free alternative to wheat-based rotis or just want to include a variety of grains in their diet. Bajra , also known as pearl millet , is a complete source of protein with complex carbs that keeps you fuller for longer. It’s also super delicious and I have been loving it recently!

Bajra roti and lahsun chutney served on shiny brass plates served with green chilli peppers and red onions - side shot - 8

What is Bajra Roti?

Bajra roti is an north Indian gluten-free flat bread. It is commonly consumed for breakfast in the state of Rajasthan in India, with a side of Lahsun Chutney (garlic chutney) , also some red onions and green chilli peppers for an extra crunch (you may skip this if its too badass for you ;P).

How to make Bajra roti?

There are many ways to make Bajra Roti and I have tried them all. This one works the best and is the one I am going to talk about here.

Set-by-step way to make it with visual aid for your reference:

  1. Take one cup of water in a pan and bring it to a boil.
Pouring water in a pan - 9
  1. Add salt to it and then reduce the heat.
adding 1/2 tsp salt to the water - 10
  1. Add 1 cup of Bajra/Pearl millet flour to the water and then cover with a lid. Do not touch it yet. This step helps the starches to release and create a glutenous texture and gives the easiest workable dough. No other method guarantees the same results, trust me.
Spooning Bajra flour into a measuring cup - 11
  1. After a minute, remove the lid and mix the dough well with a wooden spoon until well combined. Set it aside so it cools down a bit.
mixing the dough with a wooden spoon - 12
  1. Then take in on to a work surface and knead the dough into a soft pliable dough.
Me kneading the dough smooth - 13
  1. Break off a small piece of the dough and roll it really well into a sphere making sure there are no cracks on the surface.
my hand, holding a ball of the dough that I pulled out from the main ball of dough - 14
  1. Now sprinkle some of the flour into the ball and press it into a circle either with the help of both hands by turning it or on the surface.
me flattening the ball between my fingers to a round shape before rolling it - 15
  1. Roll it out into a round shape with a rolling pin, while adding enough extra flour to prevent sticking.
me rolling the dough with a rolling pin into a round shape. I'm good. - 16
  1. Carefully take the uncooked roti on one palm and lay it on a hot skillet (on the stove). While one side is cooking, sprinkle a few drops of water on the top of the roti and spread it with the help of a spoon. This step helps the roti stay moist and soft instead of dry and crumbly.
a few droplets of water on the uncooked side of the vajra roti - 17
  1. Then flip it and cook on the other side. Cook until both sides are slightly golden brown in certain areas and puffy and then take it off the skillet.
The bajra roti puffing up on the skillet - 18
  1. Then, repeat for the rest of the dough.

  2. Apply some vegan ghee or avocado oil on the surface of the rotis if you wish. The rotis will be soft and delicious, nevertheless.

  3. Serve with some lahsun chutney or daal or some spices vegan yoghurt and you have yourself a delicious breakfast/lunch/dinner.

Scooping up lahsun chutney with a piece of Bajra roti - 19

Let me know if you try this easy Bajra roti recipe with Lahsun Chutney as I would love to see it! Tag @beextravegant on Instagram .

Try other breakfast/snack items from the blog:

  • Vegetable Upma Recipe
  • Khaman dhokla recipe
  • Paniyaram recipe- shallow fried, spiced rice and lentil balls
  • Vegan Yoghurt Toast – Spicy
  • Tofu masala sandwich
Bajra roti and lahsun chutney served on shiny brass plates served with green chilli peppers and red onions - side shot - 20

Bajra Roti

Ingredients1x2x3x

  • 1 cup Bajra flour/pearl millet flour
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1/2 tsp Salt

Instructions

  • Take one cup of water in a pan and bring it to boil.
  • Add salt to it and reduce the heat.
  • Add 1 cup of Bajra/pearl millet flour to the water and cover. Do not touch it yet. This step helps the starches to release and create a glutenous texture and gives the easiest workable dough.
  • After a minute, remove the cover and mix the dough well with a wooden spoon until well combined. Set it aside so it cools down a bit.
  • Then take in on to a work surface and knead the dough into a soft pliable dough.
  • Break off a small piece of the dough and roll it really well into a sphere making sure there are no cracks on the surface.
  • Now sprinkle some of the flour on the ball and press it down either with the help of both hands by turning it or on the surface.
  • Roll it out into a round shape with a rolling pin, adding enough extra flour to prevent sticking.
  • Carefully take the uncooked roti on one palm and lay it on a hot skillet (on the stove).
  • While one side is cooking, sprinkle a few drops of water on the top of the roti and spread it with the help of a spoon.
  • Then flip it and cook on the other side. Cook until both sides are slightly golden brown in certain areas and then take it off the skillet.
  • Repeat for the rest of the dough.
  • Apply some vegan ghee or avocado oil on the surface of the rotis if you wish. The rotis will be soft and delicious, nevertheless.
  • Serve with some lahsun (garlic) chutney or daal or some spiced vegan yoghurt and yo have yourself a delicious breakfast/lunch/dinner.
Beans Masala Sandwich - 21

Beans Masala Sandwich - Quick Vegan Lunch

Ingredients1x2x3x

Spicy beans filling:

  • 300 grams cooked legumes: pinto beans chickpeas, black beans, white beans etc
  • 2 tbsp soy yogurt
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp kashmiri red chilli powder
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp Garam Masala
  • ½ teaspoon Chaat masala sub with anchor powder
  • salt to taste

Other Ingredients:

  • 4 slices bread
  • Vegan butter optional
  • 1 onion medium-sized- thinly sliced in rounds
  • 1 red bell pepper small to medium-sized – thinly sliced
  • chaat masala extra to sprinkle on top
  • Mint coriander chutney or ketchup or sriracha or vegan mayo

Instructions

Spicy Beans Filling:

  • Take all the ingredients for the filling in a bowl and mix and mash (with a masher or fork) until everything is well combined but still leaving a few chunks of beans for texture.

Assembly:

  • Take the bread slices and spread some vegan butter (If using) on them.
  • Spread mint coriander chutney/ketchup/sriracha on the slices.
  • Spread the bean filling one side and spread evenly.
  • Then place some thinly sliced onion and thinly sliced bell pepper
  • Sprinkle some chaat masala on top and close with the other slice.
  • Place the beans sandwiches in a preheated sandwich maker (or grill) and cook until golden and crispy
  • Serve with a side salad or just enjoy by itself with more chutney/ketchup or vegan mayo.