Vegan Tomato Chutney Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

For the Tomato Chutney:

• 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 fresh red chili, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Grilled Cheese:

• 8 slices of vegan bread
• Vegan butter or margarine
• 1 cup vegan cheese, shredded (e.g., vegan cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• Fresh spinach leaves (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions:

Making the Tomato Chutney:

1. Heat Oil: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add Seeds: Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the oil. Cook until they start to sizzle and pop.
3. Cook Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and chili (if using). Sauté until the onions are translucent.
4. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Add Spices: Add the salt, black pepper, turmeric powder, and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
6. Simmer: Add the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar (or maple syrup). Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a chutney-like consistency.
7. Cool: Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer to a jar and let it cool completely. Store in the refrigerator if not using immediately.

Making the Grilled Cheese:

1. Preheat Pan: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter Bread: Spread vegan butter or margarine on one side of each slice of bread.
3. Assemble Sandwiches: Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of tomato chutney on the unbuttered side. Add a handful of shredded vegan cheese on top of the chutney. Add a few fresh spinach leaves and basil leaves if using. Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.
4. Grill: Place the assembled sandwiches in the preheated skillet. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Press down lightly with a spatula for even grilling.
5. Serve: Remove from the skillet and let cool for a minute before slicing. Serve warm.