Anda Ghashi
A fiery and tangy egg curry from Mangalore, made with a rich, roasted coconut and spice masala. This coastal Karnataka classic is perfect with steamed rice or neer dosa.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Eggs
- b.Take the 8 hard-boiled and peeled eggs. Using a small knife, make 2-3 shallow slits on the surface of each egg. This helps them absorb the flavors of the curry. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Roast the Masala Ingredients
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- c.Add the dry red chillies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and black peppercorns. Roast for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- d.Add the roughly chopped small onion and garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens.
- e.Add the grated coconut. Reduce the heat to low-medium and roast, stirring continuously for 8-10 minutes, until the coconut turns a deep, aromatic golden-brown. This step is crucial for the flavor.
- f.Turn off the heat. Stir in the turmeric powder. Transfer the mixture to a plate and let it cool completely.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Grind the Masala Paste
- b.Once cooled, transfer the roasted ingredients to a grinder jar.
- c.Add the tamarind pulp and about 1/2 cup of water.
- d.Grind to a very smooth, fine paste. You may need to add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, to achieve a smooth consistency.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Curry Base
- b.Heat the remaining 2 tbsp of coconut oil in the same pan or a kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.
- d.Add the curry leaves and sauté for 30 seconds.
- e.Add the finely chopped medium onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- f.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- g.Add the finely chopped tomato and cook for 4-5 minutes until it turns soft and mushy.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the Curry and Add Eggs
- b.Add the ground masala paste to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the masala is well-cooked and you see oil separating from the sides.
- c.Pour in 1.5 cups of water, add salt to taste, and the optional jaggery. Stir well to combine.
- d.Bring the curry to a gentle boil.
- e.Reduce the heat to low and carefully slide the slit hard-boiled eggs into the gravy.
- f.Simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing the eggs to absorb the rich flavors. Avoid boiling vigorously after adding the eggs.
- g.Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Roasting the coconut to a deep brown color is the secret to the authentic, nutty flavor of Anda Ghashi. Don't rush this step.
- 2For a smoother gravy, use warm water while grinding the masala paste.
- 3Using coconut oil is highly recommended as it imparts a distinct coastal flavor to the dish.
- 4Let the curry rest for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
- 5This curry pairs exceptionally well with neer dosa, pundi (rice dumplings), sannas, or simple steamed rice.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the eggs with 250g of paneer cubes or boiled potatoes. Lightly pan-fry the paneer or potatoes before adding them to the curry in the final step.
SeafoodSeafood
Substitute eggs with 300g of cleaned prawns or fish fillets for a delicious coastal seafood curry. Add the seafood in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking, depending on its size.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
For a richer, creamier texture, you can add 1/4 cup of thick coconut milk at the end of the cooking process. Do not boil the curry after adding coconut milk.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Healthy Fats
Coconut and coconut oil contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that is easily digested and can provide a quick source of energy.
Anti-inflammatory Spices
The curry is rich in spices like turmeric, coriander, and black pepper, which are known for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Anda Ghashi can be a healthy dish. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. The use of coconut provides healthy fats, and the spices offer various anti-inflammatory benefits. To make it healthier, you can control the amount of oil used.