Egg Butter Masala
Hard-boiled eggs simmered in a rich, creamy, and slightly sweet tomato gravy. This comforting North Indian curry is a fantastic alternative to chicken butter masala and pairs perfectly with naan or rice.
For 4 servings
Prepare Eggs and Cashew Paste
- Peel the hard-boiled eggs and make a few shallow, lengthwise slits on each one. This helps them absorb the gravy's flavor.
- Optional but recommended: Heat 1 tsp of oil in a pan, add the slit eggs with a pinch of salt and red chilli powder, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are lightly golden. Set aside.
- Drain the soaked cashews and blend them with 3-4 tablespoons of water in a small blender until you have a completely smooth, creamy paste. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics and Spices
- Heat the oil and butter together in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted, add the whole spices: bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and green cardamoms. Sauté for about 30-40 seconds until they become fragrant.
- Add the finely chopped onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes until they are soft and golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chillies. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
Build the Masala Gravy
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the spice powders: turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and coriander powder. Stir for 30 seconds to prevent them from burning.
- Immediately pour in the tomato purée and add the salt. Increase the heat back to medium and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The gravy is ready when it thickens and you see oil separating at the edges.
- Stir in the prepared cashew paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until it is well incorporated into the masala.
Simmer and Finish the Curry
- Add 1.5 cups of warm water, sugar, and garam masala. Mix well and bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.
- Carefully add the boiled (and optionally fried) eggs to the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. This allows the eggs to absorb the flavors.
- Turn off the heat. Crush the kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it over the curry. Gently stir in the heavy cream.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving hot with naan, roti, or basmati rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the creamiest gravy, use ripe, red tomatoes and blend them into a very smooth purée.
- 2Making slits in the eggs is crucial for them to absorb the rich flavors of the masala.
- 3Lightly pan-frying the boiled eggs before adding them to the gravy gives them a pleasant, slightly firm texture.
- 4Always add spice powders on low heat to prevent them from burning and turning bitter.
- 5Do not boil the gravy after adding cream, as it can cause it to split. Stir it in gently off the heat.
- 6The gravy will thicken as it cools. You can adjust the consistency with a splash of warm water when reheating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the eggs with 250g of paneer cubes. Lightly pan-fry the paneer before adding it to the gravy at the end.
VeganVegan
Use 250g of extra-firm tofu instead of eggs. Replace butter with more oil and use full-fat coconut cream or more cashew cream instead of dairy cream.
With VegetablesWith Vegetables
Add 1/2 cup of green peas or diced bell peppers along with the tomato purée for added nutrition and texture.
Nut FreeNut-Free
For a nut-free version, substitute the cashews with 2 tablespoons of melon seeds (magaz) or poppy seeds, soaked and ground into a paste.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
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
Cashews provide monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Contains Beneficial Spices
Spices like turmeric (containing curcumin) and ginger have natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support overall wellness.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Egg Butter Masala (about 2 eggs and gravy) contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of butter, oil, and cream used.