Egg curry is a dish that resonates with comfort and flavor. It's a classic dish that has found its way into many homes and restaurants across the world, each with its unique twist and variation. The combination of boiled eggs with a rich, flavorful gravy makes it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with rice, bread, or even on its own.
Ingredients:
Before diving into the cooking process, let's gather our ingredients:
- Eggs – 6 large
- Onions – 2 medium-sized, finely chopped
- Tomatoes – 2 large, finely chopped
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
- Green chilies – 2, slit lengthwise
- Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala – 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Cooking oil – 3 tablespoons
- Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish
- Water – as required
Preparation:
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Boiling the Eggs: Start by boiling the eggs. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the eggs simmer for about 10 minutes. Once done, remove the eggs, cool them under cold water, and peel off the shells. Make small slits on the boiled eggs with a knife. This allows the flavors of the curry to seep into the eggs.
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Prepping the Gravy: In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. This usually takes about 5-6 minutes.
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Adding Spices: Once the onions are done, add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for another 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Now, it's time to add the dry spices – turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a minute or two.
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Incorporating Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they turn soft and mushy. This will take around 5-6 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan.
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Creating the Gravy: Add a cup of water to the pan and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help in blending all the flavors together and creating a rich gravy consistency.
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Introducing the Eggs: Carefully place the boiled eggs into the gravy, making sure they are well submerged. Allow them to simmer in the gravy for another 5 minutes, allowing the eggs to absorb the flavors of the curry.
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Final Touch: Sprinkle garam masala over the curry and give it a gentle stir. Let the curry simmer for a couple more minutes. Check for salt and adjust if necessary.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the curry reaches your desired consistency, turn off the heat. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Tips for a Perfect Egg Curry:
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Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh onions, tomatoes, and spices can make a huge difference in the flavor of your curry.
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Slits in Eggs: Making slits in the boiled eggs helps in absorbing the flavors of the curry better.
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Consistency: The consistency of the gravy is crucial. It should neither be too thick nor too thin. Adjust the water accordingly.
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chilies based on your preference for spiciness.
Egg curry is a delightful dish that brings together the simplicity of boiled eggs with a rich and flavorful gravy. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a restaurant-worthy egg curry right in your kitchen. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on this delightful culinary adventure!