Mashed Potato and Veggie Sandwiches with Cilantro-Mint chutney

Its summer and the best thing about summer is 'Picnicking' (if that's even a word)  ;-)  
At the park or beach or even you own backyard...and the best part about going on a picnic are Picnic Baskets, filled with yummy goodies. 
Theres something about eating out in the open that makes even the most boring dish look spectacular and taste twice as good.  Do you agree?

This Veggie sandwhich is a really quick and easy-to-prepare dish and perfect hand food for any picnic or outing or even just a tea time snack. All the ingredients used are generally what we always keep at hand in our homes, so its an easy go-to recipe and plus, its so healthy.  

The mashed potato helps to hold the other veggies in the sandwich together. The chutney is the star ingredient, it brings out the flavor in the sandwiches, and saute'd veggies add a lovely crunch....mmm, my mouth is watering! ;-) 
I dint use any butter, mayonnaise or ketchup on the bread. But you could if you want to. 
You could even try a grilled version of these sandwiches and they might turn out even more tasty. I should try that sometime too :-) 

Almost looks like Guacamole right?

Here I have mixed the green chutney with the mashed potatoes, else your bread may become very soggy if the chutney is directly applied on the bread. This proved super helpful, specially when you are not eating the sandwich right away. 

Mashed Potato and Veggie sandwiches with Cilantro-Mint chutney 
You'll need 
Bread Loaf - as many slices as you require sandwiches ( I used a whole pack of whole wheat bread)
For mashed potato 
Boiled potatoes - 1 or 2 (I used large Russet potatoes) 
Salt - to taste 
Pepper - to taste 
For cilantro-mint chutney 
Fresh Cilantro leaves (Dhania) - a whole handful 
Fresh Mint leaves (Pudina) - a whole handful 
Tamarind pulp / Lemon Juice - 1-2tblsp (optional) 
Ginger - 1inch piece 
Garlic - 2 cloves 
Green chillies - 3-4 (as per preferred spice level) 
Salt - to taste 
For saute'd veggies 
Onions - 1 (cut into thin slices - I used Yellow onions) 
Capsicum (Green or Red bell peppers) - 1 (cut into thin strips) 
Butter - 1/2 tblsp 
Salt - to taste 
Pepper - to taste 
Red chilli powder / Garam masala - a pinch for taste (optional)

Directions: 
1. Boil the potatoes until really soft , peel out the skin and using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth adding required amount of Salt and pepper. Season well . (If you add a little butter , it would enhance the taste)
2. For the Cilantro-Mint Chutney, grind all the ingredients in a food processor adding water as required until a thick and smooth chutney is obtained. The chutney should taste mildly spicy and tangy. You can avoid the tamarind pulp/lemon juice if you do not like the tangy taste. 
3. Using a (non-stick) frying pan, melt the butter and saute the veggies with the masala powders (optional) until onions are mildly pink. The veggies shouldn't be overcooked, they should still retain a mild crunch. 
4. Before assembling the sandwiches, mix the mashed potatoes with enough green chutney to form a smooth paste. If you have more chutney you may add it later into the sandwiches, but make sure the mashed potatoes don't get too liquidy. (I added about 4-5 tblsp of green chutney)
To make the sandwich
1. Trim the edges of the bread (optional) and keep aside.
2. Take 2 bread slices and add the potato-chutney mixture on both slices generously.
3. Add the saute'd veggies on one of the slices and close the sandwich with the other slice having mashed potato-chutney mixture.
4. Repeat until required number of sandwiches are obtained, or until the veggies and mashed potato are  over :-)

Suggestions:
1. Veggie options are unlimited, you can try using zucchini, mushrooms , eggplant etc . For picky eaters, cook the veggies, grind them and add it to your mashed potato. They'll never know the difference ;-)
2. Even including paneer or tofu , scrambled eggs, cooked chicken etc is a good idea.
3. Spice level can be increased or decreased as per taste preference.

I covered each sandwich in cling wrap before going to the park. They can also be enjoyed as a cold sandwich. So give this a try, its an easy recipe , nothing an go wrong with it !
Would you like one right now? ;-)

-Manju