We Cooked An Entire Meal Using A Sandwich Maker: Here Are Some Observations

Most kitchen appliances come with a specific purpose. A mixer-grinder is for blending and grinding, a pressure cooker is for quick steaming, and an oven is for baking. A sandwich maker, however, has always been considered a niche appliance, great for toasting bread but not much else. But what if its potential had been underestimated all along? Could it be repurposed to cook a variety of Indian dishes? With this thought in mind, a challenge was set: prepare an entire meal using just a sandwich maker.

The idea was simple, pick popular Indian dishes, tweak the cooking technique, and see if the sandwich maker could deliver. From crispy snacks to breakfast staples, the experiment uncovered some surprising results. Not only did the dishes cook well, but they also required less oil, minimal supervision, and a fraction of the usual cooking time. Here's how a complete meal was cooked, one dish at a time, using only a sandwich maker.

We Cooked An Entire Meal Using A Sandwich Maker: Here Are Some Observations; Photo Credit: Pexels

1. Stuffed Paratha: Crispy, Quick And Mess-Free

Stuffed parathas are a household favourite in India, but rolling them out, cooking them on a tawa, and ensuring they don't turn soggy can be time-consuming. The sandwich maker turned out to be an unexpected hero in making this beloved dish quicker and easier.

For the experiment, a classic aloo paratha was chosen. A soft dough was rolled out, filled with a spiced potato mixture, and sealed before being placed in the preheated sandwich maker. Within minutes, the paratha emerged golden brown and crispy, with a texture similar to a flaky puff pastry.

What made this technique stand out was the even crispiness it achieved, something that usually requires careful flipping and monitoring on a stovetop. Even a paneer-stuffed version worked well, giving the paratha a tandoor-like effect without any extra effort. The only downside? Overstuffing made the edges difficult to seal, leading to some filling oozing out. Lesson learned: balance is key!

2. Vegetable Frankie: A Grilled Delight

Mumbai's famous street food, the Frankie, is essentially a paratha wrapped around a flavourful vegetable filling. Traditionally, it's cooked on a tawa, but the sandwich maker provided an exciting new twist.

A whole wheat paratha was lightly cooked before being filled with a mix of sautéed vegetables, peas, carrots, capsicum, and crumbled paneer. A generous drizzle of green chutney and mayonnaise was added before rolling it up tightly.

Once placed in the sandwich maker, Frankie developed a crispy, evenly toasted exterior. The slight pressure from the lid ensured that the filling stayed intact, making it easier to eat without the usual mess. The best part? Unlike the stovetop method, there was no need for flipping or constant supervision.

This hack proved that a sandwich maker could be used as a compact, efficient grill, perfect for making wraps and rolls without dirtying multiple utensils.

3. Mini Uttapams: The South Indian Surprise

South Indian breakfasts are all about soft idlis, crispy dosas, and fluffy uttapams. Typically, uttapams are cooked on a flat griddle, but the sandwich maker offered a convenient alternative.

A ladle of dosa batter was poured into the sandwich maker's plates and topped with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and coriander. The result? Bite-sized uttapams that were crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

The best part was the hassle-free cooking. No need for a heavy dosa tawa, no worrying about spreading the batter evenly, just pour, shut, and let the sandwich maker do the work. These mini uttapams, served with coconut chutney, made for a delightful snack or breakfast option.

4. Pancakes With An Indian Twist

Pancakes aren't traditionally Indian, but with a few tweaks, they were given a desi makeover.

A batter of whole wheat flour, mashed bananas, jaggery, and a pinch of cardamom was poured into the sandwich maker. In a few minutes, out came golden-brown pancakes with crisp edges and soft, fluffy centres. The jaggery caramelised slightly, adding a delicious depth of flavour.

Unlike the usual pan-frying method, this technique eliminated the need for flipping and ensured that both sides cooked evenly. A drizzle of honey or melted ghee elevated the taste further.

This experiment proved that a sandwich maker isn't just for savoury dishes, it can also whip up a quick and healthy dessert or breakfast treat.

5. Dhokla: A Fluffy, Steamed Success

Dhokla, the soft and spongy Gujarati snack, is typically steamed in a special cooker. Could a sandwich maker replicate the same effect? Surprisingly, yes.

A simple batter of besan (gram flour), yoghurt, lemon juice, and Eno was poured into the sandwich maker. Within minutes, the batter puffed up into fluffy, bite-sized dhoklas. The key was to ensure that the sandwich maker was slightly greased to prevent sticking.

A quick tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and sesame seeds added the finishing touch. The texture was airy and light, making this an excellent quick snack option for when a traditional steamer isn't available.

6. Vegetable Cutlets: Crispy Without Deep-Frying

Vegetable cutlets are a much-loved tea-time snack, but deep-frying them can be a hassle. The sandwich maker offered a healthier, easier alternative.

A mixture of mashed potatoes, peas, carrots, and spices was shaped into small patties and placed inside. With just a light brushing of oil, the cutlets cooked to perfection, golden and crispy on the outside, soft and flavourful on the inside.

Unlike deep-frying, this method was oil-efficient and mess-free. The sandwich maker ensured an even, golden crust without excessive grease. Served with mint chutney, these cutlets were proof that fried food cravings could be satisfied in a healthier way.

We Cooked An Entire Meal Using A Sandwich Maker: Here Are Some Observations; Photo Credit: Pexels

7. Savoury French Toast: A Spicy Take On A Classic

French toast is usually sweet, but the savoury Indian version, known as masala French toast, was a delicious experiment.

Slices of bread were dipped in a spicy egg mixture seasoned with turmeric, cumin, red chilli powder, and finely chopped coriander. Once placed in the sandwich maker, they crisped up beautifully, developing a golden crust with soft, flavourful insides.

Unlike pan-frying, which often requires careful flipping, this method was effortless. Both sides cooked evenly, creating a crunchy, satisfying breakfast dish that paired perfectly with a side of ketchup or green chutney.

8. Idlis: Mini, Quick And Delicious

For South Indian households, idlis are a breakfast staple. But what if there's no idli steamer available? The sandwich maker came to the rescue.

Idli batter was poured into the grooves, and within minutes, the batter puffed up into perfectly shaped mini idlis. They had the same softness as traditional idlis but took significantly less time to cook.

A quick tadka of mustard seeds and curry leaves added an authentic touch. Served with coconut chutney and sambar, these idlis proved that a sandwich maker could double up as an emergency steamer.

Explore Products Related To This Article

1. Sheffield Classic Sandwich Maker

2. Kenstar KTY02KSS-DBH

3. Longway Grilly Pro 850 W Sandwich Maker & Toaster Grill

4. Pigeon 16189 Toast

5. BAJAJ New SWX 400 (270110) Grill

6. BAJAJ by Bajaj SWX 4 Deluxe (270106) Grill

7. HAVELLS perfect fill plus Grill

8. BELL SM1515 Sandwich Maker with Floating Hinges

Who would have thought that a simple sandwich maker could be such a multi-purpose kitchen tool? From crispy parathas to soft idlis, this small appliance delivered impressive results. Beyond its usual function, the sandwich maker proved to be a time-saving, oil-efficient, and mess-free alternative for several Indian dishes. Whether it's for a quick breakfast, a crispy snack, or an impromptu meal, this underrated gadget deserves a permanent spot on the kitchen counter. Next time it's pulled out of the cabinet, it won't just be for sandwiches.

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.