Anda Besara Bhaja
A classic Odia dish featuring hard-boiled eggs simmered in a pungent and tangy mustard seed paste. This flavorful egg curry is a staple in Odisha and pairs wonderfully with hot steamed rice.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Eggs and Mustard Paste
- b.Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, bring to a boil, and cook for 10-12 minutes until hard-boiled. Drain, cool in cold water, and peel.
- c.While eggs are boiling, soak yellow and black mustard seeds in 1/4 cup of warm water for 15 minutes to reduce bitterness.
- d.Drain the soaked seeds and transfer to a grinder. Add cumin seeds, garlic cloves, and green chilies. Grind to a smooth paste, adding a few tablespoons of water as needed.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Eggs
- b.Make 2-3 shallow slits on each peeled egg to help them absorb the gravy.
- c.Heat 1 tablespoon of mustard oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the boiled eggs, a pinch of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- d.Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the eggs are lightly golden and blistered on the outside. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Gravy Base
- b.In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of mustard oil. Heat until it's slightly smoking.
- c.Add the panch phoron and let the seeds splutter for about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- e.Add the chopped tomatoes, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the tomatoes turn mushy and oil begins to separate from the masala.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Besara Paste and Finish
- b.Lower the heat and add the prepared mustard (besara) paste to the pan. Sauté for only 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. Do not overcook, as it can become bitter.
- c.Pour in 1 cup of water and mix well, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan.
- d.Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer. Carefully add the fried eggs back into the pan.
- e.Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 minutes, allowing the eggs to absorb the flavors of the mustard gravy.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- c.Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use mustard oil for the most authentic Odia flavor; its pungent taste is key to the dish.
- 2Soaking the mustard seeds in warm water before grinding helps to mellow their sharp, bitter taste.
- 3Be careful not to overcook the mustard paste after adding it to the pan, as it can quickly become bitter.
- 4Making slits in the boiled eggs allows the gravy to penetrate, making them more flavorful.
- 5For a tangier flavor, you can add a small piece of dried mango (ambula) or 1 teaspoon of tamarind paste along with the tomatoes.
- 6For a smoother paste, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after grinding to remove any coarse bits.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Vegetables
Add cubed potatoes or drumsticks along with the tomatoes. Cook until they are tender before adding the mustard paste.
With Fish (Macha Besara)With Fish (Macha Besara)
This same 'besara' gravy is famously used to cook fish. Pan-fry fish like Rohu or Hilsa and simmer them in the gravy instead of eggs.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
For a richer, less pungent gravy, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of grated coconut or poppy seeds (posto) while grinding the mustard paste.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in High-Quality Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Contains Healthy Fats
Mustard oil is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Turmeric contains curcumin, and mustard seeds contain compounds like selenium, both of which have potent anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Anda Besara Bhaja (2 eggs with gravy) contains approximately 280-320 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the size of the eggs and the amount of oil used.