Bombay Cheese Food

BOMBAY MASALA CHILE CHEESE TOASTIES

Steps:

• Hari chutney:
• Purée apple, lime juice, ginger, garlic, cilantro, mint, sugar, a pinch of salt, and 1-2 chiles, depending on how spicy your chiles are and your heat preference, in a blender, scraping down sides and adding water by the tablespoonful, until a smooth paste forms. Taste and season with more salt or sugar if needed. (You should have about 1 cup, which is more than you'll need for the sandwiches. Color will fade as it sits.)
• Do ahead: Chutney can be made 3 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container; cover and chill.
• Filling and assembly:
• Heat oil in a medium cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium. Add mustard seeds and cook until popping, about 30 seconds. Add curry leaves and cumin seeds. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until slightly darkened in color, about 1 minute. Stir in coriander, turmeric, asafetida (if using), and 1-2 chiles. Crumble potato into pan in large pieces and add salt. Cook, coarsely mashing and tossing potatoes to coat, until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Fold in cilantro and chaat masala. Transfer filling to a bowl. Wipe out pan and reserve.
• Arrange 4 slices of bread on a cutting board. Spread some chutney over each slice. Divide filling among slices and top with red onion, green pepper, then cheese. Spread 1 side of remaining 4 bread slices with more chutney and close up sandwiches. Spread ghee over outside of top slices of bread.
• Heat reserved pan over medium. Working in batches if needed, melt a small knob of ghee in pan, then arrange sandwiches, buttered side up, in pan. Cook until golden brown underneath, about 4 minutes. Turn over and cook, pressing down occasionally with the back of a spatula or the bottom of a saucepan, until cheese is melted and other side is golden brown, about 4 minutes.
• Serve toasties with extra chutney and ketchup alongside.
• Chef's note: Sandwiches can be made in a panini or sandwich press as well, or ideally a toastie maker.

BOMBAY CHEESE APPETIZER

Steps:

• Combine the cheese & curry powder in a food processor and process until smooth.
• Shape the mixture into a disc, wrap in waxed paper, and refrigerate until firm. This should take about 1 1/2 hours or so.
• Remove the cheese disc from refrigerator, unwrap, and place on a plate.
• Spread the chutney over the top, then sprinkle with the green onions and the nuts. Place the currants on top.
• Serve with pear wedges & crackers.

BOMBAY CHEESE

Steps:

• Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Grate the sharp cheddar cheese. Combine the cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese and curry. I beat it by hand until smooth. Shape the mixture into a ball and place on plastic wrap. Shape the ball into a 5 1/2 inch diameter disc, about 1 inch high. Cover with plastic wrap and chill at least 60 minutes, overnight is best.
• To assemble the platter for consumption, place cheese in the center of a serving tray. You will now spread the chutney over the top of the cheese disc. Sprinkle coconut, toasted nuts, scallions and currants over the chutney. The measurements given were originally give to me. I am usually more generous with the toppings.
• To serve, I cut the apples into thin wedges and toss with lemon or Fruit Fresh a produce protector by Ball, to prevent discoloration. Arrange the wedges and crackers around the cheese.
• Note: The cheese can be made up to 2 days in advance; cover and chill until ready to serve. The platter can be prepared up to an hour before serving, if kept cool.

BOMBAY CHEESE APPETIZER

Steps:

• Mix softened cheeses together until well blended.
• Add wine and curry powder; mix well.
• Place on a platter and arrange into a pie shaped wedge about 1" high.
• Frost completely with chutney and sprinkle with the scallions over the top.
• This can be make several days ahead of serving. Just keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
• Serve with crackers.