Egg Kheema
A delicious and quick curry made with grated hard-boiled eggs cooked in a savory onion-tomato masala. This protein-packed dish is a fantastic vegetarian alternative to meat kheema and pairs perfectly with pav or roti.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Hard-boil and prepare the eggs.
- b.Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by at least one inch.
- c.Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, immediately turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the eggs stand for 10-12 minutes.
- d.Drain the hot water and transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier.
- e.Peel the cooled eggs and grate them using the large holes of a box grater. Set the grated eggs aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the masala base.
- b.Heat oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle and become fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown. This step is crucial for the flavor base.
- d.Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the tomatoes and spices.
- b.Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring and mashing them with your spoon, until they turn soft and pulpy.
- c.Add the spice powders: turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- d.Pour in 1/4 cup of water. Stir everything together and let the masala simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and you see oil separating at the edges.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine with eggs and finish.
- b.Add the grated eggs to the cooked masala in the pan.
- c.Gently fold and mix until the grated egg is evenly coated with the masala. Be careful not to mash the eggs.
- d.Cook for just 2-3 minutes, allowing the eggs to absorb the flavors of the masala.
- e.Sprinkle the garam masala and half of the chopped coriander leaves over the top. Give it a final gentle mix.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and serve.
- b.Turn off the heat. Garnish with the remaining fresh coriander leaves.
- c.Serve the Egg Kheema hot with buttered pav, fresh roti, chapati, or as a filling for sandwiches.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best 'kheema' texture, use a box grater. A food processor can make the eggs mushy.
- 2Sautéing the onions until deeply golden is crucial for the base flavor of the curry. Don't rush this step.
- 3For a richer flavor, you can use ghee instead of vegetable oil.
- 4Don't overcook the eggs after adding them to the masala, as they can become rubbery. A couple of minutes is all that's needed to heat through.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Egg Kheema
For a richer, creamier texture, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or cashew paste at the very end of cooking.
Vegetable Egg KheemaVegetable Egg Kheema
Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped bell peppers (capsicum) or green peas along with the tomatoes for added nutrition and texture.
Street Style Egg KheemaStreet-Style Egg Kheema
Add 1 teaspoon of Pav Bhaji Masala along with the other spice powders for a Mumbai street-food flavor profile.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies or add 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder along with the garam masala for extra heat.
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 Vitamins and Minerals
This dish is packed with nutrients. Eggs provide Vitamin D, B12, and selenium, while tomatoes offer Vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The use of turmeric provides curcumin, a compound known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Boosts Metabolism
Spices like cumin and red chili contain compounds that can have a mild thermogenic effect, potentially giving a slight boost to your metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Egg Kheema is a healthy dish. It's an excellent source of high-quality protein from the eggs, which is essential for muscle building and repair. It also contains beneficial spices like turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties.