Surti Ghotalo
A hearty and spicy street food classic from Surat, Gujarat. This iconic dish features a rich mutton mince curry scrambled with eggs, then topped with a perfectly runny sunny-side-up egg. Served with buttery, toasted pav, it's a truly indulgent and flavorful meal.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Mutton Kheema Base
- b.Heat vegetable oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 7-8 minutes until they turn soft and golden brown.
- d.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- e.Stir in the finely chopped tomatoes and cook for 6-8 minutes, mashing them with a spatula, until they break down and the oil begins to separate from the masala.
- f.Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, pav bhaji masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
- g.Add the mutton mince to the pan. Use your spatula to break up any lumps and mix it thoroughly with the masala. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mince is browned all over.
- h.Pour in 1 cup of water, stir everything together, and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the mutton is tender and the gravy has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the 'Ghotalo' (Scramble)
- b.Once the kheema is fully cooked, uncover the pan. Stir in the chopped green garlic and garam masala. Cook for 1 minute to combine the flavors.
- c.Increase the heat to medium. Crack 4 eggs directly into the kheema mixture.
- d.Using a spatula, quickly and continuously scramble the eggs into the kheema. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the eggs are just set but still soft and moist. This mixture is the 'ghotalo'. Turn off the heat.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare Topping and Serve
- b.Divide the hot ghotalo mixture equally among four serving plates.
- c.In a separate small non-stick pan, melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter over medium-low heat.
- d.Carefully crack the remaining 4 eggs into the pan, ensuring they don't touch. Cook for 2-3 minutes to make sunny-side-up eggs with set whites and runny yolks.
- e.Gently slide one sunny-side-up egg on top of each portion of ghotalo.
- f.Garnish generously with fresh chopped coriander leaves.
- g.Serve immediately with hot, butter-toasted pav and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use fresh green garlic (leela lasan). If unavailable, substitute with finely chopped garlic scapes or a mix of minced garlic and scallion greens.
- 2The key to a perfect ghotalo is not to overcook the scrambled eggs. They should be soft and creamy, integrating seamlessly with the kheema.
- 3The runny yolk is essential! When broken, it creates a rich, creamy sauce that balances the spiciness of the mince.
- 4Toast the pav generously with butter on a hot tawa until golden and slightly crisp for the best texture.
- 5You can prepare the mutton kheema base a day in advance. When ready to serve, simply reheat it and proceed with adding the scrambled eggs and topping.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chicken Ghotalo
Substitute mutton mince with chicken mince. Reduce the cooking time for the mince to 15-20 minutes as chicken cooks faster.
Vegetarian GhotaloVegetarian Ghotalo
Replace mutton mince with crumbled paneer or a mixture of mashed vegetables like potatoes, peas, and carrots. Add the paneer or vegetables after the tomato masala is cooked and sauté for 5-7 minutes before adding the eggs.
Extra SpicyExtra Spicy
Increase the amount of green chilies and red chili powder. You can also add a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper along with the garam masala for an extra kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
With a combination of mutton mince and eight eggs, this dish is packed with high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Iron
Mutton is a great source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for forming hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood, helping to prevent anemia and boost energy levels.
Provides Essential Vitamins
Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse, providing essential vitamins like B12, which is vital for nerve function, and Vitamin D, important for bone health and immune support.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Surti Ghotalo (without pav) contains approximately 550-650 calories, primarily from the mutton, eggs, and butter. Serving it with two buttered pavs can add another 200-250 calories.