Andhra Guddu Pulusu
A tangy and spicy egg curry from Andhra Pradesh, where hard-boiled eggs are simmered in a flavorful tamarind and jaggery-based gravy. It's a perfect comfort food that pairs wonderfully with hot steamed rice.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Eggs and Tamarind Extract
- b.Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
- c.Once cool, peel the eggs and make 2-3 shallow diagonal slits on each one. This helps them absorb the gravy.
- d.Soak the tamarind ball in 1 cup of warm water for 15 minutes. Squeeze the pulp thoroughly to extract the juice. Strain the liquid and discard the solids. Set the tamarind water aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shallow Fry the Eggs
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder and 1/4 tsp of red chili powder to the hot oil.
- d.Carefully place the slit boiled eggs in the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning gently, until they develop a light golden and slightly crispy skin. Remove the eggs and set them aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and fenugreek seeds. Allow them to splutter for about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the curry leaves and slit green chilies. Sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Build the Gravy Base
- b.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 6-8 minutes until they turn soft and golden brown.
- c.Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until the raw smell disappears.
- d.Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, remaining 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, remaining 1.5 tsp red chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well.
- e.Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down, become mushy, and oil starts to separate from the masala.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer the Pulusu
- b.Pour the prepared tamarind water into the pan, along with 1.5 cups of plain water. Add the grated jaggery and stir until it dissolves.
- c.Bring the gravy to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- d.Gently slide the fried eggs into the boiling gravy.
- e.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken slightly.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat and stir in the garam masala.
- c.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Let the curry rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavor. Serve hot with steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Frying the boiled eggs gives them a wonderful chewy texture and prevents them from breaking in the gravy.
- 2Making slits on the eggs is crucial for them to soak up the tangy and spicy flavors of the pulusu.
- 3Balance is key. Adjust the amount of tamarind and jaggery to achieve your desired level of tangy and sweet.
- 4Be careful not to add too many fenugreek seeds, as they can make the curry bitter.
- 5This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- 6For a slightly thicker gravy, you can add a slurry of 1 tsp of rice flour mixed with 2 tbsp of water in the last 5 minutes of simmering.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Vegetables
Add vegetables like drumsticks, shallots (small onions), or brinjal along with the onions to make it more wholesome.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
For a richer, thicker gravy, add 2-3 tablespoons of coconut milk or a paste of roasted poppy seeds (khus khus) during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
Protein SwapProtein Swap
This pulusu base works well with other proteins. You can replace eggs with fried paneer cubes or firm tofu for a vegetarian version.
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 repair, growth, and overall body function.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The use of turmeric, which contains the active compound curcumin, provides powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Aids in Digestion
Tamarind is known to have a mild laxative effect, while spices like cumin and fenugreek can aid digestion and improve gut health.
Rich in Essential Nutrients
This dish contains a variety of ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and spices that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Andhra Guddu Pulusu (about 2 eggs and gravy) contains approximately 350-420 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the size of the eggs.