At my home, Chole Masala or Chole is often made and on some days when there are leftovers, I make the delicious Chana Sandwich with it. In this post, I have shared just that – the recipe of a simple and easy Indian Chickpea Sandwich, with just a few more added ingredients. It makes for a tasty, filling and comforting breakfast dish or even an evening snack, when you get a craving to have something deliciously fusion.
About Chana Sandwich
Chole or chana masala is as common in a North Indian household as anything else. And it is also almost always, that some of the curry is left.
One of the best uses of that leftover Chickpea Curry is to use it to make this yummy Chana Sandwich at home.
In addition to the leftover chickpea curry and the bread slices, I add some vegetables to this Chickpea Sandwich.
These are onion, tomato and capsicum or green bell pepper. These add another layer of nutrition to the sandwich as well as makes it filling.
This Chana Sandwich can be made with leftover Rajma Masala (kidney beans) or Lobia Masala too. Just keep in mind that the gravy or curry has to be semi-dry or dry.
Using leftover curries or veggie dishes in sandwiches or parathas is a good way to use leftover food. If you love sandwiches, then there is also this Potato Sandwich that you must try.
When I make this Chickpea Sandwich, I always spice it with chaat masala powder and roasted cumin powder. Chana masala itself is a heavily spiced dish. So, I use less strong spices for the toppings.
You can also add cheese slices or grated cheese to this Chana Sandwich. I also make a vegan version of this sandwich by using olive oil instead of butter and skipping the cheese. So, you can easily veganize these sandwiches too.
I made this Chickpea Sandwich in an electric sandwich toaster/griller. You can use a non-electric sandwich maker or griller to make these sandwiches.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to make Chana Sandwich
Preparation
1. Keep ½ to ¾ cup chana or chole masala ready for stuffing in the sandwiches. I have used leftover chole masala of previous day for this sandwich.
Ensure the chole masala is dry or semi-dry, else the sandwiches may become soggy.
2. Slice thinly, 1 small to medium onion, 1 small to medium tomato and 1 small green bell pepper (capsicum). Also grate cheese and set aside.
Measure all the ingredients and keep ready for making the sandwiches.
Assemble
3. Spread softened butter or brush olive oil lightly on all the bread slices. Trim the edges of 4 to 6 bread slices, if you want.
I have here used Whole Wheat Bread but you can use multigrain bread or White Bread or brown bread.
4. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of the chana or chole masala.
5. Spread the masala with the back of a spoon on the bread slice.
6. Top with 2 to 3 slices each of onion, tomato and capsicum.
7. Sprinkle a pinch or two of chaat masala powder, roasted cumin powder and salt as required.
8. If you want, you can top with some grated cheese (optional).
9. Cover with another slice of bread.
Toast or Grill Chickpea Sandwich
10. Spread some butter on both sides of the electric toaster or a panini grill. Alternatively, you can apply butter on top of the bread before toasting them. Applying butter is optional.
I prefer to spread butter on the sandwiches while serving them.
11. Toast the Chana Sandwich in a sandwich maker or grill maker till golden and crisp. You can also use a hand-held sandwich maker or toast the sandwich in a pan.
12. Gently remove the toasted/grilled sandwich. Spread some olive oil or butter on top of the sandwich, if required. This is optional.
12. Cut into pieces and serve Chana Sandwich hot with Green Chutney or sweet chutney or tomato ketchup.
Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy this sandwich with green chutney or sweet Tamarind Chutney or tomato sauce.
Chana Sandwiches are perfect for breakfast, brunch or as a snack. They can also be served with potato chips or pickles or a fresh salad as accompaniments.
Pair them with a refreshing beverage like lemonade or a mint cooler for a complete meal experience.
More Sandwich Recipes To Try!
Paneer Recipes
Paneer Sandwich Recipe (2 Ways)
Bread Snacks
Coleslaw Sandwich
Bread Snacks
Mayonnaise Sandwich | Veg Mayo Sandwich
Bread Snacks
Chocolate Sandwich Recipe
Please be sure to rate the recipe in the recipe card or leave a comment below if you have made it. For more vegetarian inspirations, Sign Up for my emails or follow me on Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter.
Chana Sandwich | Indian Chickpea Sandwich
Chana Sandwich Recipe is an easy and quick toast or grilled sandwiches made with leftover Chole Masala or Chana Masala with just a few more added ingredients. It makes for a tasty, filling and comforting breakfast dish or even an evening snack, when you get a craving to have something delicious.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Prevent your screen from going dark while making the recipe
Trim the edges of the bread if you prefer.
Spread the butter or brush the olive oil lightly on all the bread slices.
- Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of the chana masala and spread it evenly on the bread.Ensure that the chana masala or chole masala is dry or semi-dry and does not have any curry or gravy consistency as this will make the bread soggy.
Top with 2 to 3 thin slices each of onion, tomato and capsicum.
Sprinkle a few pinches of chaat masala, roasted cumin powder and black salt.
If you want you can top with some grated cheese.
Cover with another slice of bread.
Toast the chana sandwich in a sandwich maker or grill till golden and crisp.
Spread some olive oil or butter on top of the chole sandwiches if required.
Serve the Chana Sandwich hot with green chutney or sweet tamarind chutney or tomato ketchup.
- Ensure that the chana masala does not have any liquid curry consistency. It should be dry or semi-dry. Any liquids or gravy in the chana masala will make the bread moist and soggy.
- Cheese can be skipped.
- To make a plant based version, use olive oil and omit the cheese.Â
Nutrition Facts
Chana Sandwich | Indian Chickpea Sandwich
Amount Per Serving
Calories 398 Calories from Fat 180
% Daily Value*
Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Trans Fat 0.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 44mg15%
Sodium 509mg22%
Potassium 501mg14%
Carbohydrates 44g15%
Fiber 7g29%
Sugar 10g11%
Protein 13g26%
Vitamin A 1244IU25%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 0.4mg27%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.3mg18%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 4mg20%
Vitamin B6 0.4mg20%
Vitamin B12 0.2µg3%
Vitamin C 61mg74%
Vitamin D 0.3µg2%
Vitamin E 1mg7%
Vitamin K 14µg13%
Calcium 217mg22%
Vitamin B9 (Folate) 112µg28%
Iron 4mg22%
Magnesium 59mg15%
Phosphorus 222mg22%
Zinc 2mg13%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This Chana Sandwich from the archives was first published on December 2013. It has been updated and republished on May 2024.