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Anda Besara Bhaja Recipe | CraftMyMeals | CraftMyMeals

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Anda Besara Bhaja

odiamediumeggetariangluten-freedairy-freenut-free

soy-free

kosher

low-carb

high-protein

Anda Besara Bhaja

Popularity

2.0

Taste Score:8/10

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.

Prep15m

Cook20m

Soak15m

Servings4

Serving:2 pieces

318 cal

Ingredients

For 4 servings

8 pc Egg (large)
2 tbsp Yellow Mustard Seeds
1 tbsp Black Mustard Seeds
1 tsp Cumin Seeds (for the paste)
6 clove Garlic
2 pc Green Chili (adjust to taste)
3 tbsp Mustard Oil (divided)
1 tsp Panch Phoron
1 pc Onion (medium, finely chopped)
2 pc Tomato (medium, chopped)
0.75 tsp Turmeric Powder (divided)
0.5 tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (for color)
1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
1.25 cup Water (divided for grinding and gravy)
2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (chopped, for garnish)

Nutrition per Serving

318

Calories

16g

Protein

12g

Carbs

Instructions

1
Prepare Eggs and Mustard Paste
- 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.
- While eggs are boiling, soak yellow and black mustard seeds in 1/4 cup of warm water for 15 minutes to reduce bitterness.
- 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
Fry the Eggs
- Make 2-3 shallow slits on each peeled egg to help them absorb the gravy.
- 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.
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the eggs are lightly golden and blistered on the outside. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3
Cook the Gravy Base
- In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of mustard oil. Heat until it's slightly smoking.

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484cal

39gprotein

About This Anda Besara Bhaja Recipe

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.

This odia recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 317.64 calories per serving with 16.25g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.

23g

Fat

Fiber3g

Sodium741mg

Potassium482mg

Phosphorus305mg

Know more about our calculations

Add the panch phoron and let the seeds splutter for about 30 seconds.

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.

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.

Add Besara Paste and Finish

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.
Pour in 1 cup of water and mix well, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan.
Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer. Carefully add the fried eggs back into the pan.
Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 minutes, allowing the eggs to absorb the flavors of the mustard gravy.

Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Pro Tips

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.

Recipe Variations

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)

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 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.

Health Benefits

✨

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

How many calories are in one serving of Anda Besara Bhaja?

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.

Is Anda Besara Bhaja healthy?

Yes, it can be a healthy dish. It's an excellent source of high-quality protein from eggs. Mustard oil provides healthy fats, and spices like turmeric have anti-inflammatory benefits. To keep it healthier, use oil in moderation.

My mustard paste turned bitter. What did I do wrong?

Bitterness in mustard paste is a common issue. It can happen if you over-grind the seeds, use very hot water for grinding, or, most commonly, overcook the paste in the pan. Sauté the paste on low heat for just 1-2 minutes before adding water.

Can I use only one type of mustard seed?

Yes, you can. Using only yellow mustard seeds will result in a milder flavor, while using only black mustard seeds will give a more pungent and sharp taste. The traditional Odia recipe uses a mix to create a balanced flavor profile.

How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavor of the mustard gravy often deepens and tastes even better the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.