There’s just something about a sandwich that always hits the spot for me. Maybe it’s the nostalgic soul in me, but biting into a good sandwich instantly takes me back to childhood. School lunches packed by my mum were always simple but full of flavour, and some of the best memories are wrapped up in those humble sandwiches.
Speaking of memories, here’s a little gem from the vault: I grew up playing bingo with my mum at our local Maltese Community Club every Saturday as a little girl. As I got older, I couldn’t wait for the school holidays because it meant bingo with mum at the local RSL. I’d always order a plate of sandwiches during intermission with a side of hot chips – pure heaven… I guess you could say, sandwiches became a little symbol of those happy, carefree days.
Sure, sandwiches might seem ordinary, but throw a bit of heart into the filling and they can become so much more than just lunch. With a bit of love, a sandwich can be a filling, nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying without the fuss.
This creamy, spicy sandwich filling has become one of my go-to favourites. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up the night before, pop in the fridge, and the next day all you need to do is grab some bread and spread generously. Done!
You can use whatever protein you have on hand – leftover roast chicken, shredded and ready to go, or good old trusty tuna. Either way, it’s packed with flavour and just the right amount of spice… chilli is a non-negotiable for me.
I am sharing this sandwich filling for those mama’s that need more than just left over crusts and half eaten apples through the day. But naturally, I can’t help but think of my girls too – so I’ll often set some of the filling aside before adding the chilli, just for them. Gotta keep those little tastebuds happy too!
Pro tip: Toast the bread. Seriously. The crispiness on the outside, paired with the creamy, spicy filling on the inside, and a hot coffee on the side… pure magic. And the best part? This filling is ridiculously versatile. Spread it on toast, wrap it up, pile it into a sandwich, smear it on crackers… or just eat it straight from the bowl with a spoon. No judgement – I won’t tell.
Ready to whip it up yourself? Your future self (and your tastebuds) will thank you.
Two Way Spicy Sandwich Filling
Ingredients
- 400 g can of tuna or same amount in shredded chicken
- 2 hard boiled eggs (diced, if not using a Thermomix)
- 1 cucumber (diced, if not using a Thermomix)
- 2-3 leaves of iceberg lettuce (shredded, if not using a Thermomix)
- 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños can substitute for fresh
- 5 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp paprika
- salt to taste
- ground cayenne pepper optional, for garnish
Instructions
Conventional Method
- Add tuna/chicken, eggs, cucumber, lettuce, jalapeños, mayonnaise, paprika and salt into a bowl and mix.
- Serve on toast, a wrap, sandwiches or crackers.
Thermomix Method
- If using chicken, add cooked chicken and shred 4 seconds/reverse/speed 4. Set aside.
- No need to clean bowl. Add to the bowl; eggs, cucumber roughly chopped, lettuce leaves, jalapeños, spring onion and chop 3 seconds/reverse/speed 4.
- Add tuna/chicken to bowl.
- Add mayonaise, sour cream, paprika, cayenne pepper and salt to taste. Mix 4 seconds/reverse/speed 3. Scrape down bowl and mix a further 1-2 seconds more if needed.
- Serve on toast, a wrap, sandwiches or crackers.
Notes
- If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, steam in varoma. Add 250g water in bowl, place chicken in the varoma and cook for 18-20 minutes/varoma temp/speed 2.