Anda Do Pyaza
A delightful North Indian egg curry where hard-boiled eggs are simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy. The magic comes from using onions in two ways, creating a beautiful texture and a subtly sweet and savory taste. Perfect with hot rotis or rice.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preparation (5 mins)
- b.Finely chop 2 onions. For the other 2 onions, cut them into 1-inch squares and separate the layers to get onion 'petals'.
- c.Using a knife, make a few shallow slits on the surface of the hard-boiled eggs. This helps them absorb the flavors of the gravy.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Eggs and Onion Petals (5 mins)
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the slit boiled eggs and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until they develop a light golden, slightly blistered skin. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
- d.In the same pan, add the onion petals. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are translucent but still retain a slight crunch. Remove and keep them with the fried eggs.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Gravy Base (15 mins)
- b.Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the same pan. Once hot, add the whole spices: cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and green cardamom pods. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions. Cook on medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn a deep golden brown. This caramelization is key to the dish's flavor.
- d.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chillies. Sauté for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Masala (10 mins)
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add the powdered spices: turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and coriander powder. Stir for 30 seconds to prevent burning.
- c.Pour in the tomato puree and add salt. Mix well. Cook the masala, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until it thickens and you see oil separating from the sides.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer the Curry (7 mins)
- b.Add 1.5 cups of hot water to the pan and stir to combine, scraping any bits from the bottom. Bring the gravy to a gentle boil.
- c.Carefully place the fried eggs into the gravy. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the eggs to absorb the flavors.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Garnish (3 mins)
- b.Uncover the pan and stir in the sautéed onion petals, garam masala, and crushed kasuri methi.
- c.Mix gently and cook for another 2 minutes.
- d.Turn off the heat, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves, and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Frying the boiled eggs gives them a pleasant, slightly chewy texture that holds up well in the gravy.
- 2Do not rush the process of browning the finely chopped onions. Their deep caramelization is the foundation of the curry's rich flavor.
- 3Add the onion petals towards the end to ensure they remain slightly crunchy, providing a wonderful textural contrast.
- 4For a richer, creamier gravy, you can add 2 tablespoons of cashew paste or fresh cream when you add the water.
- 5Let the curry rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamier Version
For a restaurant-style rich gravy, blend 10-12 soaked cashews into a fine paste and add it along with the tomato puree.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
Increase the number of green chillies to 3-4 or add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper powder along with the garam masala for extra heat.
Vegetarian/Vegan VersionVegetarian/Vegan Version
Replace the eggs with 250g of pan-fried paneer, tofu, or 3-4 medium-sized boiled and cubed potatoes. Add them at the same stage as the eggs.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Antioxidants
The base of this curry, made from onions, garlic, tomatoes, and turmeric, is packed with antioxidants like quercetin, allicin, and lycopene, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Spices like turmeric (containing curcumin), ginger, and garlic are well-known for their natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to overall health and well-being.
Frequently asked questions
'Do Pyaza' literally translates to 'two onions'. The name reflects the technique of using onions in two different ways in the dish: finely chopped and caramelized for the gravy base, and as larger petals added towards the end for texture and a subtle sweetness.