Egg Masala Curry
Hard-boiled eggs simmered in a rich and aromatic onion-tomato gravy. This comforting North Indian curry is packed with flavor and comes together quickly, perfect for a weeknight dinner with roti or rice.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Eggs
- b.Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, and cook for 10-12 minutes to hard-boil them.
- c.Drain the hot water and transfer the eggs to an ice bath or run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Peel once cool.
- d.Gently prick the peeled eggs all over with a fork or toothpick. This helps them absorb the gravy's flavor.
- e.Optional but recommended: Heat 1 tsp of oil in a pan. Sauté the boiled eggs with a pinch of turmeric and red chili powder for 2-3 minutes until they are lightly golden. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Aromatics
- b.Heat 3 tbsp of oil in a kadai or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and bay leaf. Allow the cumin to splutter for about 30 seconds.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn deep golden brown.
- d.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Masala
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and coriander powder. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the spices.
- c.Pour in the tomato puree and add salt. Mix well.
- d.Cook the masala over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and oil begins to separate from the sides. This is a crucial step for a flavorful gravy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Curry and Finish
- b.Pour in 1.5 cups of hot water and stir well, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the gravy to a boil.
- c.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
- d.Gently add the prepared hard-boiled eggs to the gravy.
- e.Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi over the top. Stir gently to combine.
- f.Cover and simmer for a final 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper flavor, caramelize the onions slowly until they are dark golden brown. This forms the foundation of the curry's taste.
- 2Shallow frying the boiled eggs gives them a slightly firm, chewy skin which adds a wonderful texture to the dish.
- 3Using hot water for the gravy helps maintain the cooking temperature and results in a better-emulsified curry.
- 4Crush the kasuri methi between your palms before adding it to the curry to release its maximum aroma.
- 5For a richer, creamier gravy, you can add 2 tablespoons of cashew paste or heavy cream along with the water.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamier Curry
Add 2 tablespoons of cashew paste (soaked cashews blended with a little water) or 3 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end of cooking for a richer, restaurant-style gravy.
Punjabi Dhaba StylePunjabi Dhaba Style
Add 2 tablespoons of besan (gram flour) after sautéing the onions and cook for a minute. This thickens the gravy and gives it a rustic, earthy flavor.
With PotatoesWith Potatoes
Add 2 medium-sized boiled and cubed potatoes along with the eggs to make the curry more substantial.
Vegan AlternativeVegan Alternative
Replace the eggs with firm tofu cubes or boiled chickpeas. Pan-fry the tofu cubes until golden before adding them to the gravy.
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 Antioxidants
The base of this curry, made from tomatoes, onions, ginger, and garlic, is packed with antioxidants like lycopene and allicin, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Immunity Boosting Spices
Spices like turmeric (containing curcumin), cumin, and coriander have natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help support a healthy immune system.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Egg Masala Curry, which includes two eggs and gravy, contains approximately 310-340 calories. The exact count can vary based on the amount of oil used and the size of the eggs.