Egg Papad Curry
A unique and delicious curry where crispy fried papads and soft boiled eggs are simmered in a tangy tomato-onion gravy. It's a quick, budget-friendly meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Eggs and Papad
- b.Peel the hard-boiled eggs and make a few shallow slits on each one. This helps them absorb the gravy flavors. Set aside.
- c.Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a kadai or wide pan over medium-high heat.
- d.Carefully fry the papads one by one for about 15-20 seconds until they are crisp and lightly golden. Do not let them burn.
- e.Remove the fried papads and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Once cooled, break them into large, bite-sized pieces.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Heat it over medium flame.
- c.Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds. Add the asafoetida and stir for a few seconds.
- d.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until it turns soft and golden brown.
- e.Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Masala
- b.Add the tomato puree to the pan. Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
- c.Mix everything well and cook the masala, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes.
- d.Continue cooking until the masala thickens and you see oil separating from the sides of the mixture.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Curry
- b.Pour in 1.5 cups of water and stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan.
- c.Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- d.Gently add the slit boiled eggs to the gravy. Add the garam masala and stir gently.
- e.Cover the pan and let the curry simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the eggs to absorb the flavors.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Just before serving, add the broken papad pieces to the curry and give it a gentle stir.
- c.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Serve immediately with hot roti, naan, or steamed rice to enjoy the papad while it's still slightly crisp.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Add the fried papad pieces just before serving to prevent them from becoming completely soggy and to retain some of their crunch.
- 2For a healthier alternative, you can roast the papad over an open flame or in a microwave instead of frying.
- 3Making shallow slits in the boiled eggs is key for them to soak up the delicious gravy.
- 4For a richer, creamier curry, stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh cream or cashew paste at the end after turning off the heat.
- 5Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired gravy consistency – less for a thick gravy, more for a thinner one.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamier Version
Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or a paste made from 10 soaked cashews at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier texture.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
Add 1-2 slit green chilies along with the onions to infuse more heat into the gravy.
Vegetable AdditionVegetable Addition
Add boiled and cubed potatoes or green peas to the curry along with the eggs for extra texture and nutrition.
No Onion No GarlicNo Onion No Garlic
For a Jain or Sattvic version, skip the onion and garlic. Use a tomato-ginger base and increase the amount of asafoetida slightly.
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, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Provides Quick Energy
The carbohydrates from the papad (lentil flour) combined with the protein and healthy fats from eggs provide a balanced and sustained release of energy.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Spices like turmeric also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Egg Papad Curry contains approximately 230-260 calories, depending on the amount of oil used for frying the papad.
