Anda Kanti
A quick and flavorful Kashmiri egg curry. Hard-boiled eggs are pan-fried until golden and then simmered in a fragrant, semi-dry gravy of onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices like fennel and ginger powder.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Eggs
1.Hard-boil the eggs for 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, transfer them to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.2.Peel the eggs carefully and prick them all over with a fork or toothpick. This is a crucial step that allows the masala to penetrate the eggs.Shallow-Fry the Eggs
1.Heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat until it's lightly smoking.2.Carefully add the pricked eggs to the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning them gently, until they develop a light golden-brown, slightly crisp layer. This gives them a wonderful texture.3.Remove the fried eggs from the pan and set them aside on a plate.Sauté the Aromatics
1.In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of mustard oil if needed.2.Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter. Immediately add the hing and sauté for a few seconds.3.Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown.Cook the Masala
1.Add the ginger paste, garlic paste, and slit green chilies. Sauté for about 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.2.Pour in the tomato puree. Add the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, fennel powder, dry ginger powder, and salt.3.Stir everything well and cook the masala for 5-7 minutes on medium-low heat, until it thickens and you see oil separating from the sides.Simmer and Finish
1.Add 1/2 cup of water to the pan, stir well, and bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.2.Gently place the fried eggs back into the gravy. Spoon some of the masala over the eggs to coat them well.3.Cover the pan and let the curry simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. This allows the eggs to absorb all the aromatic flavors of the gravy.4.Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the garam masala over the curry and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pricking the boiled eggs is crucial for the flavors to penetrate inside.
- 2Frying the eggs before adding them to the gravy gives them a slightly chewy, firm exterior which is characteristic of this dish.
- 3For the most authentic Kashmiri flavor, use mustard oil and don't skip the fennel (saunf) and dry ginger (sonth) powders.
- 4You can adjust the amount of water to make the gravy thicker or thinner to your liking.
- 5Let the curry rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- 6To get a vibrant red color without too much heat, use a good quality Kashmiri red chili powder.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace eggs with 250g of paneer cubes or 4 medium boiled potatoes. Fry them just like the eggs before adding to the gravy.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
For a richer texture, add 2 tablespoons of whisked curd or a splash of fresh cream at the end of cooking. Ensure the heat is low when adding curd to prevent it from splitting.
With VegetablesWith Vegetables
Add 1/2 cup of par-boiled vegetables like green peas or diced bell peppers along with the eggs for extra nutrition and texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
This dish is a good source of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, selenium, and choline from eggs, which are vital for bone health, brain function, and metabolism.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The use of Kashmiri spices like turmeric (containing curcumin) and ginger provides potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, helping to combat oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
Anda Kanti can be a healthy dish as it's rich in protein from eggs, which provide essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. The use of spices like turmeric and ginger offers anti-inflammatory benefits. To make it healthier, you can reduce the amount of oil used for frying the eggs or skip the frying step altogether.
