One Potato Sandwich, Two Memories & A Whole Lot of Butter

Sandwich for a brief period meant only one thing to me: Aloo Sandwich. Whether stuffed between bread, rolled in a dosa, or eaten just as is, anything is instantly made perfect when it involves aloo. 

I still laugh when I think of how my parents once joked they’d gift me kilos of potatoes for my wedding. That’s how much I loved them. I’m not a big veggie fan, and stuffing a sandwich with too many vegetables? Meh. But combine veggies with cheese? A total yes. Also, I never understood how I dislike malai but adore cheese. Strange heart, I know. 

Now, growing up, bread wasn’t our go-to. For years and years, our home’s rhythm was rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — and strangely enough, we were all healthy and happy! So when bread did make its occasional appearance, it was a celebration. A rare, royal treat — bread, butter, cheese, and ketchup. Of course, the butter would often sit lonely in the fridge afterward until it met its dusty grave. 

Making a sandwich felt fancy. I remember messing up the whole kitchen, butter on every surface and my hands fully sticky — all for a sandwich I’d finish in five minutes flat. So much effort, such little patience! 

And then came two moments that sealed this sandwich’s place in my heart forever. 

First, the office fundraiser memory. 

It was during my first year at work. We had to raise funds for an NGO and could set up food stalls. I picked sandwiches — don’t ask me why, I had no experience. But hey, you spend first, earn later, right? 😄 I ordered a sandwich maker, carried it to office, made a spicy aloo masala and green chutney at home, and set up my little stall. At first, people ordered because it was easy. Then… they started reordering. Not for comfort. But for taste. We ran out of masala and had to improvise with cucumbers and tomatoes. Butter bars kept disappearing. People were queueing. And somewhere in that chaos, I felt like a little food queen. I don’t remember the money I made — but I’ll never forget the high of that joy. 

Second, my home-business memory. 

Just recently, I started a tiny breakfast business in my society — just a week-long trial. This sandwich made it to the menu one day. It sold well, but what stayed with me was one message: A mom told me her child loved it fresh and hot. That one line filled me up more than any profit could. 

Because at the heart of it, this isn’t just food. It’s me — pouring my heart into your plate, and hoping it fills your belly and soul just a little. 

Ingredients:

For Green Chutney

• 1 bunch coriander leaves

• ½ bunch mint leaves

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 4–5 green chillies

• ½ tsp roasted gram (putnalu / bhuna chana)

• Salt to taste

Grind everything to a smooth paste with a little water.

For Aloo Masala

• 3–4 boiled potatoes, mashed

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• ½ tsp amchur (dry mango powder)

• ½ tsp red chilli powder or chilli flakes

• ¼ tsp turmeric

• ½ tsp chaat masala

• Salt to taste

• Butter for sautéing and grilling

Heat butter in a pan, sauté onions until soft, add mashed aloo and all the spices. Mix well and cook for 2–3 minutes. Set aside.

Instructions:

1. Take 2 slices of bread and butter them on one side.

2. Spread green chutney generously on the inner side.

3. Add a layer of aloo masala and optionally a slice of cheese.

4. Close the sandwich and grill it with more butter until golden and crisp.

5. Cut, serve hot with ketchup or extra chutney.

Srishti’s Secret Tip for the Perfect Plate:

Don’t skip the amchur in the aloo — that hint of tang gives your sandwich its kick! And don’t hold back on the butter (this is not the time to go diet 😋).

Srishti’s Healing Tip for the Perfect Plate:

There’s something beautiful about cooking from memory — it nourishes more than the body. So while making this, smile a little, dance a little, and cook like someone you love is eating it.

Why You’ll Love This:

Because it’s warm. Because it’s messy. Because it feels like childhood and hustle and celebration all in one. It’s not just aloo and bread — it’s the taste of joy that lingers. One bite in, and you’ll know: this sandwich was made with love.