Kerala Egg Roast with Undi

Instructions

1. 1

   Boil and Prepare the Eggs

   • Place 8 large eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by at least an inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
   • Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let it stand for 10-12 minutes to hard-boil the eggs.
   • Drain the hot water and immediately run cold water over the eggs. Once cool enough to handle, peel them carefully.
   • Make 2-3 shallow, lengthwise slits on each peeled egg. This is crucial for the masala to penetrate the eggs.
2. 2

   Shallow-Fry the Eggs

   • Heat 1 tbsp of coconut oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan (kadai) over medium heat.
   • Add a pinch of turmeric powder and a pinch of Kashmiri red chilli powder to the hot oil.
   • Gently place the slit eggs into the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, turning them carefully, until they develop a light golden, slightly crisp layer. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
3. 3

   Caramelize the Onions

   • In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tbsp of coconut oil. Once hot, add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt (this helps draw out moisture).
   • Sauté the onions on medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be patient; they should become soft, translucent, and then a deep golden brown. This slow caramelization is the secret to the dish's flavor and texture.
   • Add the ginger-garlic paste, slit green chillies, and the sprig of curry leaves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
4. 4

   Cook the Masala

   • Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring and mashing them with your spoon, until they turn soft and pulpy.
   • Reduce the heat to low. Add all the spice powders: turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Add the remaining salt.
   • Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant and you see oil starting to separate from the masala at the edges.
5. 5

   Simmer with Eggs

   • Pour in 1/2 cup of warm water and stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to combine everything into a thick, luscious gravy. Bring to a gentle simmer.
   • Add the fried eggs back into the pan.
   • Gently toss the eggs to coat them thoroughly with the masala. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes. This allows the eggs to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the gravy.
6. 6

   Garnish and Serve

   • Turn off the heat. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.
   • Garnish with a few fresh curry leaves if desired. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
   • Serve hot with traditional Kerala appam, idiyappam (string hoppers), parotta, or chapatis.