Badami Anda Curry
A luxurious Mughlai egg curry where hard-boiled eggs are simmered in a rich, creamy gravy made from almonds, yogurt, and aromatic spices. It's a royal dish perfect for special occasions, pairing beautifully with naan or jeera rice.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Almonds and Eggs
- b.Soak the almonds in 1 cup of hot water for 20-30 minutes. After soaking, peel the skins off.
- c.Transfer the peeled almonds to a grinder. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water and grind to a very fine, smooth paste. Set aside.
- d.Gently prick the peeled hard-boiled eggs all over with a fork or toothpick. This helps them absorb the flavors of the gravy.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shallow-Fry the Eggs
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Carefully add the pricked eggs and sauté for 2-3 minutes, turning them gently, until they develop light golden-brown spots. This step adds a pleasant chewy texture to the eggs.
- d.Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee.
- c.Once the ghee is hot, add the whole spices: bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and green cardamoms. Sauté for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
- d.Add the finely chopped onions. Cook on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are deep golden brown. This is a crucial step for the authentic Mughlai flavor.
- e.Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Build the Masala
- b.Add the tomato puree and cook for 4-5 minutes until it thickens and you see oil separating at the edges of the masala.
- c.Add the powdered spices: turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and coriander powder, along with the salt. Mix well and cook for 1 minute.
- d.Now, add the prepared almond paste. Stir continuously and cook for 3-4 minutes until the paste is well-cooked and releases a nutty aroma.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Create the Gravy
- b.Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Add the whisked curd (yogurt) to the pan, stirring continuously and vigorously for 2 minutes to prevent it from curdling.
- c.Once the curd is fully incorporated, you can increase the heat to medium. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until oil begins to surface again.
- d.Pour in 1.5 cups of water and add the optional sugar. Stir well to combine and bring the gravy to a gentle boil.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Simmer and Finish
- b.Gently slide the shallow-fried eggs into the simmering gravy.
- c.Cover the pan and let the curry simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes. This allows the eggs to absorb the rich flavors of the gravy.
- d.Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala and crushed kasuri methi.
- e.Let the curry rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or jeera rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a silky smooth gravy, ensure the almond paste is ground very finely without any grit.
- 2The key to a rich Mughlai flavor is browning the onions slowly and evenly until they are deep golden. Do not rush this step.
- 3Always add whisked yogurt on low heat while stirring constantly to prevent it from splitting or curdling.
- 4For an even richer and creamier texture, you can substitute half of the yogurt with fresh cream or add 2 tablespoons of cashew paste along with the almond paste.
- 5Let the curry rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the eggs with 250g of fried paneer cubes to make a delicious Badami Paneer curry.
Richer GravyRicher Gravy
Add 1/4 cup of fresh cream or cashew paste along with the almond paste for an extra luxurious and creamy gravy.
SpicierSpicier
Add 2-3 slit green chilies along with the ginger-garlic paste for an extra kick of heat.
With ChickenWith Chicken
Substitute the eggs with 500g of bone-in chicken pieces to create a classic Badami Murgh. Brown the chicken after the onions and cook until tender.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
Eggs are a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Almonds provide monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. These fats help in reducing bad cholesterol levels and supporting cardiovascular wellness.
Bone Health Support
The curd (yogurt) in the gravy is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, two minerals that are crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones and teeth.
Boosts Brain Function
Almonds are an excellent source of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that is known to support brain health, protect cells from oxidative damage, and improve cognitive function.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Badami Anda Curry (about 2 eggs with gravy) contains approximately 400-450 calories, depending on the amount of ghee and cream used. It's a rich dish best enjoyed on special occasions.