Egg 65 Dry
A classic South Indian appetizer where hard-boiled eggs are battered, deep-fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a fragrant tempering of curry leaves and spices. Irresistibly delicious!
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil and Prepare Eggs
- b.Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water by an inch. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- c.Immediately transfer the cooked eggs to a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes to stop the cooking and make peeling easier.
- d.Once cooled, peel the eggs and gently slice them into quarters lengthwise. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Batter
- b.In a medium mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, corn flour, rice flour, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt.
- c.Add the ginger-garlic paste and thick curd. Mix well to form a paste.
- d.Gradually add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously to form a thick, smooth batter with no lumps. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Eggs
- b.Heat oil for deep frying in a kadai or deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- c.Gently dip each egg quarter into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off.
- d.Carefully slide the battered egg pieces into the hot oil, one by one. Fry in small batches of 5-6 pieces to avoid overcrowding.
- e.Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- f.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried eggs and drain them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.In a separate small pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
- d.Add the slit green chilies and curry leaves. Be careful as they may splutter. Sauté for another 30 seconds until the curry leaves turn crisp.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Add the fried egg pieces to the pan with the tempering.
- c.Gently toss everything together for about a minute until the eggs are well-coated with the aromatic tempering.
- d.Turn off the heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- e.Serve immediately while hot and crispy as an appetizer or snack.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the batter has a thick consistency. If it's too runny, it won't coat the eggs properly. Add a bit more rice flour to thicken it.
- 2Be very gentle when coating and tossing the egg quarters to prevent the yolks from separating from the whites.
- 3Fry in small batches. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil's temperature, leading to soggy, oily eggs instead of crispy ones.
- 4For an authentic, vibrant red color, use Kashmiri red chili powder. You can also add a pinch of food-grade red color to the batter.
- 5Serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the optimal crispy texture. They tend to soften as they cool.
Adapt it for your goals.
Make it Saucy
To make a semi-dry version, add 2 tablespoons of yogurt or a splash of water mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of corn flour to the tempering pan after sautéing the spices. Cook for a minute until it thickens slightly, then toss in the fried eggs.
Healthier VersionHealthier Version
For a lower-calorie option, you can bake or air-fry the battered eggs. Spray them with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or air-fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Adjust Spice LevelAdjust Spice Level
Increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of black pepper to the batter for extra heat. For a milder version, reduce or omit the green chilies.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Sauté thinly sliced onions and bell peppers along with the garlic in the tempering step for added flavor, texture, and nutrition.
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 building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Rich in Nutrients
Eggs are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, selenium, and choline, which is crucial for brain health and development.
Aromatic Spice Benefits
The tempering includes ingredients like garlic, curry leaves, and turmeric. Garlic is known for its heart-health benefits, while turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Egg 65 Dry (about 6 pieces or 130g) contains approximately 280-320 calories. The majority of the calories come from the eggs and the oil absorbed during deep-frying.