Egg Bun Kebab
A delicious Mumbai street food classic! Spiced egg and lentil patties are shallow-fried until crisp, then tucked into a soft, butter-toasted bun with zesty chutneys and onions. The perfect savory snack or quick meal.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Kebab Mixture
- b.Drain the soaked chana dal. In a pressure cooker, add the dal and 1 cup of water. Cook for 3-4 whistles until the dal is soft but still holds its shape. Drain thoroughly and let it cool completely.
- c.In a large mixing bowl, grate the hard-boiled eggs. Add the cooled, cooked chana dal and the mashed potato.
- d.Add the finely chopped onion, ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, coriander leaves, and mint leaves to the bowl.
- e.Season with turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, 0.5 tsp of chaat masala, salt, and lemon juice.
- f.Using your hands, mix all the ingredients well until a firm, uniform mixture is formed. If the mixture feels too wet, add 1-2 tablespoons of roasted gram flour (besan) or breadcrumbs.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shape and Fry the Kebabs
- b.Lightly grease your palms with oil. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions.
- c.Shape each portion into a round, flat patty (kebab), about 3/4-inch thick. Ensure there are no cracks on the edges.
- d.Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet or pan over medium heat for shallow frying. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- e.Carefully place the kebabs in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Fry in batches if necessary.
- f.Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, flipping gently, until they are golden brown, crisp, and cooked through.
- g.Once fried, transfer the kebabs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Toast the Buns
- b.Slice the ladi pav or buns horizontally, leaving one edge connected like a hinge.
- c.In the same pan (or a clean one), melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- d.Place the buns, cut-side down, onto the melted butter. Toast for 1-2 minutes until they are warm, fragrant, and lightly golden brown.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Take a warm, toasted bun and open it.
- c.Generously spread a layer of green chutney on one inner side and tamarind chutney on the other.
- d.Place a hot, freshly fried egg kebab patty inside the bun.
- e.Top the kebab with a few raw onion rings.
- f.Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 tsp of chaat masala over the onions for an extra tangy flavor.
- g.Close the bun and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the cooked dal and potato are completely dry and cool before mixing. Excess moisture will cause the kebabs to break while frying.
- 2For a firmer texture and better binding, you can refrigerate the kebab mixture for 20-30 minutes before shaping the patties.
- 3Fry the kebabs on medium heat. If the heat is too high, they will brown quickly on the outside but remain uncooked inside.
- 4Handle the kebabs gently while flipping as they can be delicate.
- 5For an authentic street-food experience, use ladi pav, which is softer and more absorbent than regular burger buns.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian Version
Replace the hard-boiled eggs with 1 cup of crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or an additional large boiled potato for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Healthier OptionHealthier Option
Instead of shallow-frying, bake the kebabs at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, or cook them in an air fryer until golden and crisp. Use whole wheat buns.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Finely chop and add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or green peas to the kebab mixture for added nutrition and texture.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
Increase the amount of green chilies or add 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder to the mixture for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of eggs and chana dal provides a high-quality protein boost, which is crucial for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Chana dal is packed with dietary fiber, which aids in healthy digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and contributes to heart health.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from the lentils and potato, combined with protein, offer a steady release of energy, making this an ideal snack to combat midday slumps.
Frequently asked questions
One Egg Bun Kebab contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the size of the bun, the amount of oil absorbed during frying, and the chutneys used. It's a substantial and satisfying snack.