Debarshi’s Patty Melt

This Patty Melt is so rich and delicious that you will want this again and again. Preparing this is easy and once you prepare this yourself, you will want to share this with your loved ones. Debarshi prepared this as a surprise lunch for us. This is a delicious way to use up hamburger patties (if you have some stocked in the freezer somewhere).

Traditionally a Patty Melt is a diner classic but with this recipe it is pretty easy to create this at home. Patty Melt truly bridges the gap between a sandwich and burger. 

Now although Patty Melt is mostly served on rye bread Debarshi decided to use Sourdough bread which not only adds to the flavor but also stands up steadily to the meat and gooey cheese. You can prepare this sandwich in the traditional way in a skillet (cast-iron preferably) or take my short-cut (in a Panini maker). What can I say? I love preparing sandwiches in our Panini maker. It gives me time to set up the lunch/ dinner and also saves me trouble of flipping the sandwich (which is a careful and daunting task with all these fillings). 

Speaking of fillings, Patty Melt consists of a ground beef patty with melted cheese. It is topped with caramelized onions between two slices of decadent toasted bread. To get that gorgeous color, Debarshi used mayonnaise. Yes, a swipe of mayo (and not butter) brings out that magnificent exterior.

In other news, Baby Prisha is now 5 months old. Can you believe it! Last year at this time, I was in my first trimester, my sister was getting married and I was getting all sorts of information about travelling when you are pregnant. I can’t believe that this sweet baby is already 5 months old and ready to start her solid foods. I for one am super excited for this phase. I am going to record every moment whenever she is tasting something new. The world of solid foods, where in coming months she will be introduced to all things sweet, savory, hot and spicy, sour and bitter. I am going to do my best to encourage her to try different types of foods and cuisines. After all, this world has so many different types of foods to offer.

Baby Prisha loves kicking her Kick and Play Piano and sitting with us in our backyard and even vocalizes with birds. I’m still amazed that she is growing so fast and how my days go in the blink of an eye.

Lastly, I want to thank my regular followers for being so patient as I try to manage my roles as a mom and blogger. Believe me I want to write and share all the good food but then I see baby Prisha’s sweet face and I don’t want to miss a single moment when she is awake. I miss her when she sleeps. Can you imagine! I’m sure every parent feels the same way, just head over heels in love with their sweet babe.

I wont make you wait for the recipe any longer, here it is. Try it then post your photos and comments using my hashtag #lifewithoutalu

Ingredients:

• Butter - 1 stick 
• Yellow Onion - 1 whole large, halved and sliced
• Ground Beef - 1 ½ pounds or 4-5 crumbled hamburger patties 
• Worcestershire Sauce – 2 tablespoons 
• Salt – to taste 
• Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon, freshly ground
• Sourdough Bread – 4 large, cut into halves
• Sharp Cheddar - 4 slices 
• Swiss or Cheddar - 4 slices 
• Red Chili Powder – ½ teaspoon 
• Garlic Powder – ½ teaspoon
• Ginger Powder – ½ teaspoon
• Mustard (condiment)– ¼ cup
• Mayo – 1 cup

Directions:

• In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of Butter over medium-low heat. 
• Add the sliced Onions and cook slowly until the onions are golden brown, add a little water and caramelize them.
• Take the beef in a bowl and add the Chili powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic and Ginger powder. If using hamburger patties crumble them and then mix.
• Turn up the heat to medium and add the beef in the skillet. Fry for a few minutes then add a little water to caramelize the beef. This will bring that crispy crunchy texture.
• Turn down the heat to low and add 4 slices of Sharp Cheddar in it. Be careful, the cheese shouldn’t stick on the pan. It should just melt and stick with the beef. Turn off the heat and keep this aside.
• In a small bowl, mix the Mustard, ½ cup of Mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce. Brush one side of the Sourdough Bread with this sauce.
• Top with slices of Swiss or Cheddar.
• Top with the Beef mix.
• Top with another layer of Cheese and you can build multiple layers here.
• Top with bread (the sauce side down on the cheese), then lightly brush the other side with Mayo. This will bring that golden brown color. 
• Cook in a Panini maker or skillet (with a little butter) till it turns golden brown in color and crisp and until the cheese is melted.
• Slice in half and serve immediately!

Love Rolls and Sandwiches? Try these recipes as well:

• Egg Rolls Indian Style
• Mamma’s Alu Sandwiches (Indian style Potato and Cheese Sandwiches)
• Grilled Cheese
• Yummy Homemade Cheeseburgers