Anda Pasanda
A truly royal dish, Anda Pasanda features hard-boiled eggs bathed in a luxurious, creamy gravy. This Mughlai classic gets its rich texture from a fragrant paste of cashews, almonds, and yogurt, making it a perfect centerpiece for a special meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Pastes and Eggs
- b.Drain the soaked cashews and almonds. Grind them with 2-3 tablespoons of water into a very smooth, fine paste. Set aside.
- c.In a separate grinder, blend the chopped onions into a smooth paste without adding any water. Set aside.
- d.Gently prick the hard-boiled eggs all over with a fork. In a small bowl, toss the eggs with 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and 1/4 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder.
- e.Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat. Shallow fry the coated eggs for 2-3 minutes, turning gently, until they are lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Onion Paste
- b.In the same pan or a kadai, heat 3 tbsp of ghee over medium heat.
- c.Add the bay leaf, green cardamoms, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
- d.Add the onion paste and cook, stirring frequently, for 10-12 minutes until it turns golden brown and the ghee starts to separate from the paste.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook Spices and Nut Paste
- b.Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- c.Add the coriander powder, the remaining 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, and the remaining 3/4 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder. Stir and cook for 30-40 seconds.
- d.Now, add the prepared cashew-almond paste. Cook on low-medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the paste thickens and you see ghee glistening at the edges.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Build and Simmer the Gravy
- b.Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Slowly add the whisked curd, stirring constantly and vigorously to prevent it from curdling. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it is well incorporated.
- c.Pour in 1 cup of hot water (or milk for extra richness) and salt. Mix well and bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.
- d.Gently slide the fried eggs into the gravy. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 6-8 minutes, allowing the eggs to absorb the flavors of the curry.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Garnish
- b.Stir in the garam masala, crushed kasuri methi, and fresh cream. Mix gently and cook for just one more minute. Do not let the gravy boil after adding the cream.
- c.Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Let the Anda Pasanda rest for 5-10 minutes for the flavors to meld before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an ultra-smooth gravy, you can strain the onion paste and the nut paste before using.
- 2Ensure the curd is at room temperature and whisked well before adding it to the pan on low heat. This is the key to preventing curdling.
- 3Shallow frying the eggs gives them a slightly firm exterior, which prevents them from breaking apart in the gravy and adds a wonderful texture.
- 4Adjust the consistency of the gravy with hot water or milk. The gravy will thicken as it cools.
- 5For a subtle sweetness that balances the flavors, you can add a pinch of sugar along with the salt.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the eggs with 250g of paneer cubes, shallow-fried until golden. This variation is known as Paneer Pasanda.
Richer FlavorRicher Flavor
Add a few strands of saffron soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm milk along with the fresh cream for a more aromatic and royal flavor.
VeganVegan
Substitute eggs with firm tofu or boiled potatoes. Use coconut yogurt or a vegan cream alternative instead of dairy curd and cream, and use oil instead of ghee.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Almonds and cashews contribute monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help in managing cholesterol levels.
Bone Health Support
The use of curd (yogurt) and milk provides a good amount of calcium and phosphorus, which are vital minerals for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Frequently asked questions
Anda Pasanda is a rich and indulgent dish. While it's high in protein from eggs and contains healthy fats from nuts, it is also high in calories and saturated fat due to the use of ghee and cream. It's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, perhaps for special occasions.