Anda Posto
A classic Bengali dish where boiled eggs are simmered in a rich, nutty poppy seed paste. This creamy, mildly spiced curry is a comfort food staple, best enjoyed with steamed rice.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Eggs and Poppy Seed Paste
- b.Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes to hard-boil them. Drain and transfer to an ice bath. Once cool, peel the eggs and make 2-3 shallow slits on each.
- c.While eggs are boiling, soak the poppy seeds in 1/2 cup of warm water for at least 30 minutes. This helps in grinding them to a smooth paste.
- d.Drain the soaked poppy seeds and transfer to a grinder jar along with 2 green chillies. Grind to a very fine, smooth paste, adding 1-2 tablespoons of water if necessary.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shallow-Fry the Eggs
- b.Heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a kadai or pan over medium-high heat until it just begins to smoke.
- c.Rub the boiled eggs with a pinch of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- d.Carefully place the eggs in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are evenly light golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Posto Gravy
- b.In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of mustard oil. Reduce the heat to medium.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the nigella seeds and the 2 slit green chillies. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- e.Reduce the heat to low. Add the poppy seed paste, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and the Kashmiri red chilli powder. Stir continuously and cook for 4-5 minutes until the raw smell disappears and you see oil separating from the paste. Do not overcook or cook on high heat, as it can turn bitter.
- f.Pour in 3/4 cup of warm water, add the remaining salt and sugar. Mix well and bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Gently slide the fried eggs into the simmering gravy. Coat them well with the paste.
- c.Cover the pan and let it cook on low heat for 3-4 minutes, allowing the eggs to absorb the flavors.
- d.Turn off the heat. For an authentic touch, you can drizzle a teaspoon of raw mustard oil over the curry before serving.
- e.Let the curry rest for 5 minutes before serving hot with steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking poppy seeds in warm water is crucial for achieving a smooth, non-gritty paste.
- 2Always cook the poppy seed paste on a low flame to prevent it from turning bitter.
- 3Making shallow slits in the boiled eggs helps them absorb the gravy's flavor and prevents them from bursting in hot oil.
- 4For the most authentic Bengali flavor, use mustard oil. Heat it until it's slightly smoking to mellow its pungent flavor.
- 5Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired gravy consistency. Add warm water to prevent a drop in temperature.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan/Vegetarian
Replace eggs with cubed potatoes (Aloo Posto) or ridge gourd (Jhinge Posto). Pan-fry the vegetables lightly before adding them to the gravy.
Richer GravyRicher Gravy
For a creamier and richer texture, grind 5-6 cashews along with the poppy seeds. You can also add a tablespoon of fresh cream or coconut milk at the end.
With GarlicWith Garlic
For a different flavor profile, add 1 teaspoon of garlic paste along with the chopped onions and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Protein Source
Eggs are a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Supports Bone Health
Poppy seeds are rich in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are crucial minerals for building and maintaining strong, healthy bones and teeth.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Mustard oil is a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (MUFAs and PUFAs), including omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Aids Digestion
Poppy seeds contain dietary fiber, which helps promote regular bowel movements, prevent constipation, and support a healthy digestive system.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Anda Posto contains approximately 380-420 calories. The exact amount can vary based on the size of the eggs and the amount of oil used.