lidiahaddadian_pasadenacaIn preparation for National Sandwich Day on November 3, Oroweat is sponsoring “America’s Better Sandwich” contest to highlight the best creations between sliced bread. This year’s contest received over 2,900 entries and focused on creating healthier versions of classic sandwiches.

Lidia Haddadian from Pasadena created an Indian-Spiced Egg Salad Sandwich which is one of the finalists in the “Creative Classics” category. She shared her recipe with us and talked about the inspiration behind her recipe. Haddadian has entered many cooking competitions and will be at World Food Championship in the recipes category this year.

“This sandwich is so me,” she said. Her portable sandwich is good for anytime of the day and features turmeric, gram masala and cumin.

“Egg sandwiches are a classic but I added an ethnic twist in the filling and fried to spices to actuate the flavors,” explained Haddadian.

arnold-shoot-9-14-16-4353-390pxThe egg mixture also gets a healthier makeover because it’s Greek yogurt rather than mayonnaise based. Haddadian also added raisins for an unexpected sweetness and chose Oatnut bread to add a dose of whole grains.

She is an advocate for home cooking and has been preparing meals for her family for 29 years. Haddadian feels that food brings people together. She likes to experiment with different flavors in her cooking and remaking healthier versions of her favorite recipes.

“Why not try something new, healthy and delicious? It adds flavor to your life,” she said.

From September 26 until October 23, sandwich lovers can cast their ballots for the recipe they think is better than the rest at www.americasbettersandwich.com. For every vote, Arnold®, Brownberry® and Oroweat® will also donate a loaf of bread, up to 100,000 loaves, to Feeding America, the contest’s official charitable partner.

Indian-Spiced Egg Salad Sandwich

Ingredients:
4 slices Oroweat® 3-Seed Oatnut bread
2 Tbsp pure olive oil
1/4 cup shallots
2 Tbsp black raisins
1/4 tsp curry powder
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp gram masala
6 hard boiled eggs, chopped
2 Tbsp light mayonnaise
2 Tbsp Greek-style plain yogurt
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup watercress leaves

Directions:
Step 1: Toast bread slices to desired doneness.

Step 2: In a small saucepan, sauté shallots in olive oil till translucent over medium-high heat; add raisins, curry powder, turmeric, cumin and gram masala; sauté over medium-low heat for another minute; reserve.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine eggs and shallot/spice mixture; add mayonnaise and yogurt; add salt and pepper to taste; set aside.

Step 4: To assemble sandwich, spread half of egg mixture over bottom bread slice; top with watercress leaves and close with top bread slice. Enjoy!