Poached Egg Curry
A comforting and flavorful Indian curry where whole eggs are gently poached in a rich, spiced tomato and onion gravy. Known as 'Anda Curry' in many households, this one-pot dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, ready in under 40 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Aromatics
- b.Finely chop the onions. Slit the green chilies lengthwise.
- c.Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- d.Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle and become fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- e.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown.
- f.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Build the Masala Gravy
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Stir constantly for 30-40 seconds to toast the spices without burning them.
- c.Immediately pour in the tomato puree and add the salt. Mix everything well.
- d.Increase the heat to medium and cook the masala, stirring occasionally, for about 7-8 minutes. The mixture will thicken, darken in color, and you will see oil separating at the edges.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Curry
- b.Pour in 1.5 cups of hot water and stir to combine, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
- c.Bring the gravy to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- d.Cover the pan and let the gravy simmer for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Poach the Eggs
- b.Keep the gravy at a very gentle simmer. Uncover the pan.
- c.Crack one egg into a small bowl or ramekin. Gently slide it into the gravy.
- d.Repeat with the remaining eggs, spacing them out evenly in the pan.
- e.Cover the pan with a lid and let the eggs poach for 5-7 minutes. The whites should be set and opaque, while the yolks remain runny. For firmer yolks, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- f.Do not stir the curry after adding the eggs, as this can break them.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Gently sprinkle the garam masala and freshly chopped coriander leaves over the curry.
- c.Let the curry rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- d.To serve, carefully spoon out each poached egg along with a generous amount of gravy. Serve hot with roti, naan, paratha, or steamed basmati rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For best results, use a wide pan so the eggs have enough space to poach without crowding each other.
- 2Cracking each egg into a small bowl first is a crucial step. It prevents shells from getting into the curry and allows you to gently place the egg without breaking the yolk.
- 3Maintain a gentle simmer while poaching. A rolling boil can cause the eggs to break apart.
- 4Using hot water in step 3 helps maintain the temperature of the masala, leading to a better-tasting gravy.
- 5For a richer flavor, you can use ghee instead of vegetable oil.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Curry
For a richer, creamier gravy, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk at the end, just before adding the garam masala.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Make it a more complete meal by adding 1/2 cup of green peas or small cubes of par-boiled potatoes to the gravy when you add the water to simmer.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies or add 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder along with the other spices for extra heat.
Tangy TwistTangy Twist
Add a teaspoon of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) by crushing it between your palms and adding it with the garam masala for a unique, tangy aroma.
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, immune function, and overall body maintenance. This dish provides a substantial protein boost to keep you full and satisfied.
Rich in Antioxidants
The base of this curry includes tomatoes, onions, garlic, and turmeric. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, while spices like turmeric contain curcumin, both powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Boosts Brain Health
Eggs are one of the best dietary sources of choline, a vital nutrient that plays a key role in brain development, memory, and mood regulation.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Poached Egg Curry (approximately 1 cup with 2 eggs) contains about 305-320 calories, excluding any accompaniments like rice or bread.