Anda Tarkari
A simple yet flavorful North Indian egg curry where hard-boiled eggs are simmered in a rich and spicy onion-tomato gravy. It's a perfect comfort food, ready in under 40 minutes, and pairs wonderfully with roti or rice.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Eggs
- b.Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by at least an inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- c.Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
- d.Drain the hot water and immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath or run under cold water for 2-3 minutes to stop the cooking process.
- e.Peel the eggs carefully. Gently prick each egg a few times with a fork or toothpick. This helps them absorb the gravy flavors.
- f.Optional: Heat 1 tbsp of oil in the pan and shallow fry the peeled eggs for 2-3 minutes until they develop light golden-brown spots. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Masala Base
- b.Heat the remaining 2 tbsp of oil in a kadai or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for about 30 seconds.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are deeply golden brown. This step is crucial for the flavor of the gravy.
- d.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- e.Pour in the tomato puree. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and you see oil separating from the sides of the masala.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add Spices and Create the Gravy
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well and cook for 30-45 seconds until the spices are fragrant.
- c.Slowly pour in 1.5 cups of hot water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the gravy to a gentle boil.
- d.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the gravy simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Garnish the Curry
- b.Gently slide the prepared hard-boiled eggs into the simmering gravy.
- c.Crush the kasuri methi between your palms to release its aroma and sprinkle it over the curry, followed by the garam masala.
- d.Stir gently to combine. Cover and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the eggs to soak up the flavors.
- e.Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Let the curry rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best taste.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer, deeper flavor, ensure the onions are well-browned, not just translucent.
- 2To prevent spices from burning, you can mix the dry spice powders with 2 tablespoons of water to form a paste before adding them to the pan.
- 3Using hot water to make the gravy helps maintain the cooking temperature and improves the texture and color of the curry.
- 4For a creamier gravy, you can add 2 tablespoons of cashew paste or heavy cream along with the water.
- 5Let the curry rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the eggs to absorb the gravy's flavors more deeply.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Anda Curry
Add 1/4 cup of cashew paste or fresh cream at the end of cooking for a richer, milder gravy. Reduce chili powder slightly.
Dhaba Style Anda CurryDhaba Style Anda Curry
Add a tempering of ghee, slit green chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing) at the end for an authentic roadside dhaba flavor.
Anda Masala (Dry)Anda Masala (Dry)
Reduce the amount of water to just 1/2 cup to create a thick masala that coats the eggs, rather than a gravy.
South Indian StyleSouth Indian Style
Use coconut oil for cooking, add 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds with cumin, and finish with 1/2 cup of coconut milk and a sprig of curry leaves.
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 Essential Nutrients
This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals. Eggs provide Vitamin D, B12, selenium, and choline, which is vital for brain health.
Contains Antioxidants
The use of tomatoes provides lycopene, while spices like turmeric offer curcumin. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Anda Tarkari (2 eggs with gravy) contains approximately 290-320 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the size of the eggs.