Surti Anda Ghotala
A legendary street food from Surat, this dish is a glorious mess of mashed boiled eggs, a spicy tomato-onion gravy, and runny egg yolks. Perfect for mopping up with buttery pav, it's a hearty and flavorful meal ready in under 45 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Boiled Eggs
- b.Place 4 eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by at least an inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- c.Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
- d.Drain the hot water and immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes. This makes them easier to peel.
- e.Peel the eggs and coarsely mash them using a fork or a potato masher. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Masala Base
- b.Heat the vegetable oil and butter together in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium heat.
- c.Once the butter melts, add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become soft, translucent, and light golden.
- d.Add the ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chillies. Cook for about 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- e.Add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and mushy. Use the back of your spatula to mash them into the onions.
- f.Stir in the spice powders: turmeric, Kashmiri red chilli powder, coriander powder, and pav bhaji masala. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Simmer
- b.Add the mashed hard-boiled eggs to the pan and mix thoroughly to coat them with the masala.
- c.Pour in 1/2 cup of water, add salt to taste, and stir everything together.
- d.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add the Runny-Yolk Eggs
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Using a spoon, create four small indentations or 'wells' in the gravy.
- c.Carefully crack the remaining 4 raw eggs, one into each well.
- d.Gently swirl the egg whites into the surrounding gravy with the tip of a spoon, being careful not to break the yolks.
- e.Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on low heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the garam masala and freshly chopped coriander leaves over the top.
- c.If using, generously sprinkle the grated cheese over the hot ghotala so it melts slightly.
- d.While the ghotala rests, toast the pav buns with butter in a separate pan until golden brown.
- e.Serve the Surti Anda Ghotala immediately with hot, buttered pav.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic street-food texture, use a potato masher directly in the pan to break down the tomatoes and onions into a cohesive gravy.
- 2Don't skimp on the butter! It's essential for the rich, characteristic flavor of the dish.
- 3Use a wide, flat-bottomed pan (like a large skillet) to ensure the raw eggs cook evenly without overcrowding.
- 4Toast the pav with a sprinkle of pav bhaji masala along with the butter for an extra layer of flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Increase the number of green chillies to 3-4 or add 1/4 teaspoon of red chilli flakes along with the other powdered spices.
Extra Cheesy GhotalaExtra Cheesy Ghotala
In addition to the garnish, stir 1/4 cup of grated processed cheese directly into the gravy along with the mashed eggs for an ultra-creamy texture.
Vegetable GhotalaVegetable Ghotala
Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped capsicum (bell pepper) along with the onions to introduce a subtle sweetness and crunch.
Keema GhotalaKeema Ghotala
For a meatier version, add 1 cup of pre-cooked chicken or mutton keema (mince) to the masala base before adding the mashed eggs.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
With eight eggs in the recipe, this dish is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Energy Boosting
The combination of protein from eggs and fats from butter and oil provides a dense source of energy, making it a substantial and revitalizing meal.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Eggs are a natural source of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, selenium, and choline, which are important for bone health, brain function, and metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
Surti Anda Ghotala is a popular and iconic street food dish from the city of Surat in Gujarat, India. The word 'Ghotala' means 'mess' or 'scramble', which perfectly describes the dish: a delicious mix of mashed hard-boiled eggs, a spicy tomato-onion gravy, and topped with sunny-side-up eggs with runny yolks.