Tawa Egg Masala
A vibrant and spicy street-food classic where hard-boiled eggs are pan-fried in a flavorful onion-tomato masala. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect with warm pav or roti for a quick and satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the eggs by slicing the hard-boiled and peeled eggs in half lengthwise
- a.Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the aromatics.
- b.Heat oil and butter in a large tawa or wide pan over medium heat.
- c.Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown, which should take about 6-7 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the masala base.
- b.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- c.Add all the dry spice powders: turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and pav bhaji masala. Sauté for 30 seconds.
- d.Add the chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook, mashing with a spatula, until the tomatoes are soft and oil begins to separate from the masala, about 8-10 minutes. Add a splash of water if the masala becomes too dry.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add the eggs to the masala.
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Gently place the egg halves, yolk-side down, into the masala.
- c.Let them cook for 1-2 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- d.Carefully flip the eggs and gently coat them with the surrounding masala.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and garnish.
- b.Sprinkle the crushed kasuri methi and garam masala over the eggs.
- c.Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and gently mix.
- d.Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a wide, flat pan or tawa to ensure the eggs have enough space and cook evenly in the masala.
- 2Don't overcook the eggs once added to the masala, as this can make the yolks dry and chalky.
- 3For a richer flavor, you can lightly fry the egg halves in a teaspoon of oil with a pinch of chili powder before adding them to the main masala.
- 4Mashing the tomatoes thoroughly while cooking is key to achieving a smooth, well-integrated masala base.
- 5Pav Bhaji masala is crucial for the authentic street-style taste, so try not to skip it.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the eggs with 250g of pan-fried paneer cubes or 4 medium-sized boiled and cubed potatoes.
healthyHealthy
Reduce the oil to 2 tablespoons, omit the butter, and add a handful of chopped spinach along with the tomatoes for extra nutrients.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the green chilies and reduce the red chili powder to 1/4 teaspoon. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato ketchup for a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1/2 cup of crumbled paneer or cooked chickpeas along with the tomatoes to boost the protein content.