Dimer Kosha with Bengali Luchi

Instructions

1. 1

   Boil and Fry the Eggs

   • Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by at least an inch. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
   • Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier. Once cool, peel the eggs.
   • Gently make 2-3 shallow slits on the surface of each peeled egg. This helps them absorb the gravy's flavor.
   • In a pan or kadai, heat 1 tbsp of mustard oil over medium heat. Add the boiled eggs, a pinch of salt, and 1/4 tsp of the turmeric powder. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, turning gently, until they are lightly golden and blistered. Remove and set aside.
2. 2

   Prepare the Tempering (Phodon)

   • In the same pan, add the remaining 3 tbsp of mustard oil and heat until it's slightly smoking. This removes the raw pungency of the oil.
   • Reduce the heat to low. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, lightly crushed green cardamom pods, and cloves. Sauté for about 30-45 seconds until they become fragrant.
3. 3

   Sauté the Masala (Kosha)

   • Add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Sauté on medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown. Be patient, as this caramelization is crucial for the flavor.
   • Add the ginger and garlic paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
   • Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and the oil starts to separate slightly.
   • Lower the heat and add the remaining turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix everything well.
   • Now begins the 'kosha' process. Sauté this masala mixture on low-medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Scrape the bottom of the pan. The masala will darken, become a cohesive mass, and you'll see oil clearly separating from the sides.
4. 4

   Simmer the Curry

   • Pour in 1.5 cups of hot water and add the sugar. Stir well to combine, ensuring you scrape any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
   • Bring the gravy to a gentle boil over medium heat.
   • Gently slide in the fried eggs and the slit green chilies.
   • Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. This allows the eggs to soak up the flavors and the gravy to thicken to the desired consistency.
5. 5

   Finish and Serve

   • Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the garam masala powder over the curry and give it a final, gentle stir.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
   • Let the Dimer Kosha rest, covered, for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld and deepen.
   • Serve hot with steamed rice, luchi (puffed bread), or porota (paratha).