Anday ka Salan
A comforting North Indian curry featuring hard-boiled eggs simmered in a rich and spicy onion-tomato gravy. This flavorful dish is perfect with hot rotis or steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil and Prepare the Eggs
- b.Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by at least an inch. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes for hard-boiled.
- c.Immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for 5 minutes.
- d.Peel the eggs and gently prick them all over with a fork or toothpick. This helps them absorb the gravy's flavor.
- e.Optional but recommended: Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat. Shallow-fry the boiled eggs for 2-3 minutes, turning gently, until they develop light golden-brown spots. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Curry Base (Masala)
- b.Heat the remaining 2 tbsp of oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are soft and deep golden brown. This step is crucial for the flavor of the gravy.
- d.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- e.Pour in the tomato puree. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and you see oil separating from the sides of the masala.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Incorporate Spices and Yogurt
- b.Add the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are aromatic.
- c.Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Add the whisked curd, stirring continuously and vigorously for 2-3 minutes to prevent it from curdling. Cook until the oil starts to surface again.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Curry
- b.Slowly pour in 1.5 cups of hot water and add the salt. Mix well to combine everything into a smooth gravy. Bring it to a gentle boil.
- c.Carefully slide the prepared boiled eggs into the gravy.
- d.Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let the curry simmer for 8-10 minutes. This allows the eggs to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Garnish
- b.Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the garam masala and crushed kasuri methi over the curry and give it a gentle stir.
- c.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Let the curry rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve hot with roti, naan, or steamed basmati rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, use ghee instead of oil.
- 2To prevent curd from splitting, ensure it's at room temperature and whisked well. Always add it on the lowest heat while stirring continuously.
- 3Using hot water for the gravy helps maintain the temperature and improves the texture.
- 4For a quicker gravy, you can use a paste made from fried onions (birista) instead of sautéing raw onions.
- 5Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired gravy consistency. Add less for a thicker gravy and more for a thinner one.
Adapt it for your goals.
Aloo Anda Curry
Add 2 medium-sized potatoes, boiled, peeled, and lightly fried, along with the eggs in Step 4.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
For a richer, restaurant-style finish, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or cashew paste at the end, after turning off the heat.
Dhaba StyleDhaba Style
Add whole spices like 1 bay leaf, 2-3 cloves, and a 1-inch cinnamon stick along with the cumin seeds in Step 2 for a more robust flavor.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of black pepper powder along with the garam masala for extra heat.
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 building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, while spices like turmeric contain curcumin. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Immunity Boosting Properties
The blend of spices like ginger, garlic, and turmeric has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help support a healthy immune system.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be a healthy dish. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. The gravy contains beneficial spices like turmeric and ginger. To make it healthier, you can reduce the amount of oil used.