Masala Ponganalu, Egg Fry and Tomato Chutney

Ingredients

• 4 pcs Large Eggs
• 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (Or any neutral oil like sunflower or canola)
• 0.5 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 1 sprig Curry Leaves (About 10-12 leaves)
• 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped)
• 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
• 0.25 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Red Chili Powder (Adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tsp Coriander Powder
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper Powder (Freshly ground is recommended)
• 0.75 tsp Salt (Or to taste)
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (Freshly chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Boil and Prepare the Eggs

   • Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water by at least one inch.
   • Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and let the eggs stand for 10-12 minutes.
   • Drain the hot water and immediately run cold water over the eggs or place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
   • Once cool enough to handle, carefully peel the eggs and slice them in half lengthwise. Set aside.
2. 2

   Prepare the Masala Base

   • Heat oil in a wide, non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the mustard seeds. Wait for them to splutter, which should take about 30 seconds.
   • Add the curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds until they become fragrant and crisp.
   • Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
3. 3

   Sauté the Spices

   • Add the ginger-garlic paste to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.

Ingredients

• 400 g Roma Tomatoes (Approx. 4 medium, ripe and roughly chopped)
• 1 medium Red Onion (Approx. 150g, roughly chopped)
• 2 tbsp Sesame Oil (Also known as gingelly oil, divided)
• 1 tsp Chana Dal
• 1 tsp Urad Dal
• 4 cloves Garlic (Peeled and roughly chopped)
• 1 inch Ginger (Peeled and roughly chopped)
• 4 pcs Dried Red Chilies (Use Byadgi or Kashmiri for color and mild heat)
• 0.25 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 0.5 tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (Optional, for enhanced color)
• 1 tsp Jaggery (Grated or powdered. Can substitute with sugar.)
• 1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 0.25 tsp Asafoetida
• 1 sprig Curry Leaves (About 10-12 leaves)
• 2 tbsp Water (As needed for grinding)

Instructions

1. 1

   Sauté Dals and Aromatics

   • Heat 1.5 tablespoons of sesame oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat.
   • Add the chana dal and urad dal. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until they turn light golden and aromatic. Ensure they do not burn.
   • Add the dried red chilies, chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
2. 2

   Cook the Tomatoes

   • Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder (if using), and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly.
   • Cover the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes on a medium-low flame, stirring occasionally. Cook until the tomatoes break down, become mushy, and oil begins to separate from the sides.
   • Stir in the grated jaggery and cook for one more minute until it dissolves completely, balancing the flavors.
3. 3

   Cool and Grind the Mixture

   • Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down completely to room temperature. This is a crucial safety step to prevent hot steam from building pressure in the blender.
   • Once cooled, transfer the entire mixture to a blender or mixie jar.