Baida Masala
Hard-boiled eggs simmered in a rich and spicy onion-tomato gravy. This classic North Indian dish, also known as Anda Masala, is full of flavor and comes together quickly, making it a perfect weeknight meal to serve with roti or steamed rice.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil and Prepare the Eggs
- b.Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water by at least an inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- c.Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes for perfect hard-boiled eggs.
- d.Drain the hot water and immediately run cold water over the eggs for a minute to stop the cooking process. Let them cool.
- e.Peel the eggs carefully and make 2-3 shallow slits on each one with a knife. This helps them absorb the gravy's flavor.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shallow-Fry the Eggs
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add a pinch of turmeric powder and red chili powder to the hot oil.
- d.Gently place the slit boiled eggs in the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they develop a light golden, slightly crispy skin. Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Masala Base
- b.In the same pan, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté on medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are deep golden brown. This step is crucial for the flavor of the gravy.
- e.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Gravy
- b.Add the tomato puree to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and you see oil separating from the sides of the masala.
- c.Lower the heat and add all the spice powders: turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- d.Pour in 1 cup of warm water, stir to combine everything, and bring the gravy to a gentle boil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer and Finish
- b.Gently slide the fried eggs into the simmering gravy.
- c.Crush the kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it over the curry, followed by the garam masala.
- d.Stir gently to coat the eggs. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the eggs to absorb the flavors.
- e.Turn off the heat, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, sauté onions until they are deeply browned, not just translucent. This caramelization adds a rich, sweet depth to the gravy.
- 2Frying the boiled eggs gives them a fantastic texture that holds up well in the curry and prevents them from becoming rubbery.
- 3Use ripe, red tomatoes for a naturally sweet and tangy flavor and a vibrant color.
- 4To make the gravy richer and creamier, you can add 2 tablespoons of cashew paste or fresh cream at the end of cooking.
- 5Always add spice powders on low heat to prevent them from burning, which can make the curry bitter.
- 6Let the curry rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamier Gravy
For a richer, restaurant-style curry, add a paste of 10-12 soaked cashews along with the tomato puree, or stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or full-fat yogurt at the end.
Dhaba StyleDhaba Style
For a more rustic, dhaba-style flavor, use coarsely chopped onions instead of finely chopped and add a bay leaf and a black cardamom along with the cumin seeds.
With PotatoesWith Potatoes
Add 2 medium-sized boiled and cubed potatoes. Shallow-fry them along with the eggs and add them to the gravy for a more filling dish.
Vegan AlternativeVegan Alternative
Replace the eggs with pan-fried firm tofu cubes or boiled chickpeas. Follow the same recipe for the gravy.
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 tomatoes, onions, garlic, and turmeric, is packed with antioxidants like lycopene and curcumin, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Boosts Metabolism
Spices like cumin and chili powder contain compounds that can give a temporary boost to your metabolism, aiding in calorie burning.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Baida Masala (approximately 2 eggs with gravy) contains around 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. This makes it a substantial and satisfying main course.