(VIDEO) Tricolour Triangle Tea Sandwiches
How about some really cute bite size triangle sandwiches that look adorable, taste delicious and are a breeze to make? This summer, I've made these tricolour, double decker, cheese and chutney triangle tea sandwiches countless times for brunch, afternoon tea and the occasional picnic. These orange, white and green, vegetarian, mini sandwiches are so patriotic too; you may feel obligated to salute them. Indian flag sandwiches for Indian Independence Day, anyone?
I make these no fuss, three slice, club sandwiches super quickly without cutting off the crusts (how gauche) and without using any butter (how thrifty). But really, I promise you, neither is required.
I don't know if I had more fun making the sandwiches or putting together this 1 minute sandwich making video demonstration to the awesome rock score of 'Can't Stop Me Now.' It totally echoes my mood. Yeah, baby! I'm gonna keep churning these tricolor cheese and chutney sandwiches out all summer long.
To make 4 mini, tri-level sandwiches, I use 3 slices of super soft, fresh white bread, store bought mint chutney for the green layer, Ajvar (roasted red bell pepper and eggplant relish) for the bright orange layer and square slices of Pepper Jack cheese in between. It's fun to make; just like building a sandwich tower. Then I cut the sandwich twice on each diagonal, place the mini sandwiches crust-side down and they are ready to be enjoyed.
How to Make Tricolour Cheese and Chutney Sandwiches for Afternoon Tea
Ingredients:
Servings: 4 mini sandwiches
☐ 3 slices fresh white bread
☐ Mint chutney
☐ Ajvar relish
☐ Pepper Jack or Cheddar cheese slices
Step- by-Step Instructions
- Spread mint chutney on the first slice of bread.
- Top with a cheese slice.
- Then spread Ajvar relish on the second slice of bread. Place this slice (Ajvar side down) on top of the cheese slice to form a sandwich.
- Now spread mint chutney on the the top of the sandwich.
- Top with a cheese slice.
- Now, on the third slice of bread, spread Ajvar relish and add this slice to top off the three-layer sandwich.
- Slice the sandwich on the diagonals, cutting the sandwiches into 4 mini triangular sandwiches. Wipe knife with a damp cloth before each cut to ensure clean slices.
- Place each sandwich with the crust side down. Cover with a damp cloth to prevent the sandwiches from drying out.
Kitchen Tips and Tricks
1. How to make perfect triangle sandwiches?
I don't butter the bread. If I use butter, the bread doesn't absorb the mint and ajvar evenly, so after slicing the sandwiches look quite messy. I find I don't miss the butter at all, as long as I'm using fresh, soft white bread and slather on enough of the chutneys.
Plus, it's also a little more difficult to slice the sandwiches if the bread has been buttered.
However, if you choose to use butter in the sandwiches, put the sandwiches in the fridge for 2-3 hours before cutting them. This will allow the butter to harden and will make cutting the sandwiches much easier and cleaner.
2. How to cut triangle tea sandwiches?
To make sure that the sandwiches cut cleanly without the orange and green layers bleeding messily into the bread layers, use a serrated bread knife and wipe the knife with a clean, damp cloth between each cut. Cut on the diagonals, holding the sandwich firmly without squashing, and cut using a gentle back and forth sawing motion.
3. How to arrange triangle tea sandwiches?
When arranging sandwiches, place at right angles to one another to make picking up a sandwich easy. If placed one behind the other, it's difficult to tell where one tri-level sandwich ends and the next one begins. Separating each sandwich with butter paper is also an idea.
4. What do you put on a triangle sandwich?
- Instead of using mint chutney, you could try coriander chutney, basil pesto or a green coconut chutney.
- For the cheese, any square sliced cheese of your choice will work. Paneer is a good alternative too.
- For an alternative to Ajvar for the orange layer, you can try a mix of tomato ketchup and Sriracha for a spicy kick or a red chili coconut chutney.
5. How do you keep tea sandwiches fresh?
To keep the sandwiches fresh and to prevent the bread from drying out, cover the sandwiches with a damp cloth or damp kitchen paper.
6. If you prefer, you can slice off the crusts for a more dainty, delicate looking sandwich.
Enjoy!
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