Anda Sukke
A rustic and aromatic dry egg curry from the coastal region of Mangalore. Hard-boiled eggs are tossed in a freshly ground masala of roasted spices and coconut, creating a flavor-packed dish that's perfect with neer dosa or steamed rice.
For 4 servings
Hard-boil the eggs for 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, place them in cold water, then peel the shells. Make a few shallow slits on the surface of each egg and set aside. This helps them absorb the masala.
Prepare the sukke masala. Heat a small pan over low-medium heat. Add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, and dried red chilies. Dry roast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. Do not let them burn.
Allow the roasted spices to cool completely. Transfer them to a grinder jar along with the fresh grated coconut, turmeric powder, and tamarind paste. Grind to a coarse paste, adding 2-4 tablespoons of water as needed to facilitate grinding.
Heat coconut oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Add the curry leaves and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 6-7 minutes until they turn soft and golden. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
Add the chopped tomato and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and mushy. Now, add the ground sukke masala paste to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the masala is well-cooked and oil begins to separate at the edges.
Season with salt and optional jaggery, and mix well. Pour in the remaining water to achieve a thick, coating consistency. Gently add the slit hard-boiled eggs to the masala and toss carefully to coat them evenly.
Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the eggs to absorb the flavors of the masala. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Roasting spices on low heat is key to unlocking their full aroma without bitterness.
- 2For the most authentic taste, use fresh or frozen grated coconut. Desiccated coconut will result in a drier texture.
- 3Making slits in the boiled eggs is an important step; don't skip it as it allows the masala to penetrate the egg whites.
- 4Adjust the number of Bydagi red chilies to control the color and heat level to your preference.
- 5This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
- 6If tamarind paste is unavailable, you can use a small, marble-sized ball of seedless tamarind soaked in warm water.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Replace eggs with 250g of paneer cubes, boiled potatoes, or mushrooms. Sauté them lightly before adding to the masala.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of dried red chilies to 7-8 or add 1-2 slit green chilies along with the onions for extra heat.
Creamier TextureCreamier Texture
For a slightly richer consistency, add 1/4 cup of thick coconut milk at the very end and heat through gently without boiling.
Other ProteinsOther Proteins
This versatile sukke masala is traditionally used for chicken (Kori Sukke) or prawns. Adjust cooking times accordingly for the protein used.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs provide high-quality, complete protein, which is crucial for muscle repair, immune function, and maintaining healthy skin and hair.
Rich in Healthy Fats
The use of coconut and coconut oil provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of healthy fat that serves as a readily available energy source for the body and brain.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The blend of spices, especially turmeric (containing curcumin), coriander, and pepper, is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects that support overall wellness.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Anda Sukke (approximately 245g) contains an estimated 320-380 calories, primarily from the eggs, coconut, and oil.
