Scrambled Egg with Sai Bhaji
A hearty and nutritious breakfast twist, combining creamy scrambled eggs with the wholesome goodness of Sindhi Sai Bhaji. It's a flavorful, protein-packed meal perfect for any time of day, blending traditional Indian greens with a breakfast classic.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Sai Bhaji Base
- b.Heat vegetable oil in a 3-liter pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- c.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- d.Stir in the chopped tomato and cook for 4-5 minutes until it turns soft and mushy.
- e.Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- f.Add the drained chana dal, chopped spinach, 1 tsp of salt, and 360 ml of water. Mix everything well.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Pressure Cook and Finish the Bhaji
- b.Secure the lid of the pressure cooker. Cook on high heat for 4-5 whistles, which should take about 15 minutes.
- c.Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. This will take about 10 minutes.
- d.Open the cooker and use a potato masher or the back of a ladle to lightly mash the mixture. The consistency should be thick and coarse, not a smooth puree. If it's too watery, cook on high heat for a few minutes to evaporate excess liquid. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare and Scramble the Eggs
- b.In a large bowl, crack the 8 eggs. Add the milk (if using), the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt, and black pepper powder. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is pale, frothy, and well-combined.
- c.Melt the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
- d.Pour the whisked egg mixture into the skillet. Let it cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds until the edges just begin to set.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish the Dish
- b.Once the eggs start setting, add approximately 2.5 cups of the prepared Sai Bhaji to the skillet.
- c.Using a spatula, gently fold the bhaji into the eggs. Continue to cook, stirring and folding occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until the eggs are cooked to a soft, creamy scramble.
- d.Sprinkle the garam masala over the top and give it one final, gentle mix.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- c.Serve immediately with toasted bread, pav (soft rolls), or hot rotis.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the creamiest eggs, cook them on low heat and remove them from the pan just before they are fully done, as they will continue to cook from residual heat.
- 2The Sai Bhaji base can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes for a very quick breakfast.
- 3Ensure the Sai Bhaji is thick before adding it to the eggs. A watery bhaji will result in runny scrambled eggs.
- 4For a richer flavor, you can use ghee instead of oil for making the bhaji and scrambling the eggs.
- 5Do not over-mash the Sai Bhaji. It should have some texture from the dal and spinach.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace eggs with a block of crumbled firm tofu to make a tofu scramble. Omit the milk and use only oil instead of butter.
SpicierSpicier
Increase the number of green chilies to 3-4 or add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other powdered spices for extra heat.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Incorporate other traditional Sai Bhaji vegetables like finely chopped dill leaves (suva), fenugreek leaves (methi), or carrots along with the spinach.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
The combination of eggs and chana dal provides a high-quality protein boost, essential for muscle repair, growth, and keeping you full and satisfied for longer.
Rich in Iron and Vitamins
Spinach is an excellent source of iron, which is vital for preventing anemia, as well as Vitamin K for bone health and Vitamin A for vision and immune function.
High in Dietary Fiber
With chana dal and spinach as key ingredients, this dish is rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a healthy gut microbiome, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Scrambled Egg with Sai Bhaji contains approximately 380-420 calories, depending on the amount of oil and butter used. It's a well-balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.