Anda Methi Malai
A rich and creamy North Indian curry featuring hard-boiled eggs and fresh fenugreek leaves in a luscious cashew and cream gravy. This fragrant dish is a delightful twist on classic malai curries, perfect with warm naan or roti.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Eggs and Cashew Paste
- b.Make 2-3 shallow vertical slits on each hard-boiled egg. This helps them absorb the gravy. Set aside.
- c.Drain the soaked cashew nuts and transfer them to a blender. Add 3-4 tablespoons of water and blend until you have a very smooth, creamy paste. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Methi Leaves
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped methi leaves and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they wilt completely and release their aroma. This step is crucial to reduce their bitterness.
- d.Remove the sautéed leaves from the pan and keep them aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Gravy Base
- b.In the same pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil.
- c.Add the whole spices: cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, green cardamom pods, and cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
- d.Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and golden brown.
- e.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Masala
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add the powdered spices: turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Stir for 30 seconds to prevent burning.
- c.Pour in the tomato puree. Increase the heat to medium and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the masala thickens and you see oil separating at the edges.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Simmer
- b.Add the prepared cashew paste to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously as it can stick to the bottom.
- c.Stir in the sautéed methi leaves, salt, and optional sugar. Mix everything well.
- d.Pour in 1.5 cups of warm water. Stir to combine, bring the gravy to a gentle boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish the Curry
- b.Gently slide the slit hard-boiled eggs into the simmering gravy.
- c.Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Stir in the fresh cream and garam masala.
- d.Crush the kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it over the curry. Stir gently.
- e.Let it simmer for just 2 more minutes. Do not boil the curry after adding cream to avoid curdling.
- f.Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To reduce the bitterness of methi leaves, you can sprinkle some salt on them, let them rest for 15 minutes, and then squeeze out the water before sautéing.
- 2For a richer, restaurant-style gravy, lightly fry the hard-boiled eggs in a teaspoon of oil with a pinch of turmeric and red chili powder before adding them to the curry.
- 3Always add cream on low heat and avoid boiling it to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- 4If the gravy becomes too thick, adjust the consistency by adding a splash of warm water or milk.
- 5Ensure the cashew paste is completely smooth for the best texture. A powerful blender works best.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace eggs with pan-fried tofu or boiled potatoes. Substitute dairy cream with full-fat coconut cream or a larger quantity of cashew cream.
With PaneerWith Paneer
Swap the eggs with 250 grams of paneer cubes. Lightly pan-fry the paneer until golden before adding it to the gravy at the final step.
Richer GravyRicher Gravy
Add 1 tablespoon of melon seeds (magaz) or poppy seeds (khus khus) along with the cashews when making the paste for a thicker, more luxurious gravy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Iron and Fiber
Fenugreek (methi) leaves are packed with iron, which is vital for preventing anemia, and dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.
Contains Healthy Fats
Cashew nuts contribute monounsaturated fats to the dish, which are beneficial for heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The use of spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic provides anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Anda Methi Malai contains approximately 420-480 calories, depending on the amount of oil and the fat content of the cream used. This estimate includes two eggs per serving.