Egg Drop Curry (Phodshi)
A comforting Maharashtrian curry where whole eggs are gently poached in a spicy, aromatic onion-tomato gravy. This one-pan wonder is a quick and protein-packed meal, perfect with hot chapatis or steamed rice.
For 4 servings
Temper the Spices (Tadka)
- Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter completely.
- Add the cumin seeds and asafoetida. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the cumin seeds sizzle and become fragrant.
Sauté Aromatics
- Add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft, translucent, and light golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chillies. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma of the paste disappears.
Cook the Masala Base
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and Goda Masala. Stir continuously for 30-40 seconds to prevent the spices from burning.
- Immediately add the tomato puree and salt. Mix well.
- Increase the heat to medium and cook the masala, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until it thickens and you see oil separating from the sides of the mixture.
Simmer the Gravy
- Pour in 1.5 cups of hot water and stir well to combine everything, scraping any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Bring the gravy to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Poach the Eggs
- Ensure the gravy is at a very gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. Create small wells in the gravy with the back of a spoon.
- Crack one egg at a time into a small bowl, then gently slide it into one of the wells in the gravy. Repeat for all eggs, keeping them spaced apart.
- Do not stir the curry after adding the eggs, as this can break them.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let the eggs poach for 6-8 minutes. The whites should be firm and opaque, and the yolks cooked to your preference (runny or firm).
Garnish and Serve
- Turn off the heat. Gently spoon some of the hot gravy over the egg yolks if you prefer them more cooked.
- Garnish generously with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve immediately with hot chapatis, bhakri (sorghum flatbread), or steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For perfectly poached eggs, use eggs at room temperature and ensure the gravy is at a very gentle simmer.
- 2Cracking each egg into a small bowl first prevents shell pieces from falling into the curry and allows for gentle placement.
- 3Avoid stirring after adding the eggs. If you need to move them, gently nudge them with a spoon after they have set for a few minutes.
- 4For a creamier and richer gravy, add 2-3 tablespoons of thick coconut milk or a paste of 8-10 soaked cashews along with the water.
- 5If you don't have Goda Masala, you can use Garam Masala, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Version
Add 1/4 cup of coconut milk or cashew cream at the end of cooking for a richer, milder gravy. Do not boil after adding.
Vegetable AdditionVegetable Addition
Add 1/2 cup of green peas or diced potatoes along with the onions to make the curry more substantial.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chillies or add 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder along with the other spices for extra heat.
Kolhapuri StyleKolhapuri Style
Substitute Goda Masala with Kolhapuri Masala for a spicier and more robust flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
This dish is packed with nutrients like Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and selenium from eggs, and antioxidants like lycopene from cooked tomatoes.
Boosts Metabolism
The spices used in the curry, such as cumin, turmeric, and chilli powder, contain compounds that can help boost metabolism and aid in digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a relatively healthy dish. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. The curry base is made from vegetables like onions and tomatoes, and uses spices with various health benefits. To make it healthier, you can reduce the amount of oil used.