Awadhi Anda Korma
Boiled eggs nestled in a rich, gently spiced Awadhi-style gravy made with onion, yogurt, nuts, and fragrant whole spices. This korma is silky, comforting, and elegant enough for a festive lunch or dinner.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~12 min
Boil and peel the eggs.
Place the eggs in a pan, cover with water, and boil until hard-cooked. Cool, peel, and keep them aside.
TIPA quick dip in cold water makes peeling easier. - rest · ~15 min
Soak the cashews and melon seeds.
Soak the cashews and melon seeds in warm water for 15 minutes so they blend into a smooth paste.
- saute · ~12 min
Cook the onions until deep golden.
1.Heat the ghee in a heavy pan over medium heat.2.Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until deep golden and sweet.3.Add the ginger, garlic, and green chili and cook for 1 minute.TIPKeep the heat moderate so the onions brown evenly without burning. - mix · ~3 min
Blend the korma base.
Transfer the cooked onion mixture with the soaked cashews and melon seeds to a blender. Add a little water and blend to a smooth paste.
- saute · ~7 min
Cook the whole spices and masala paste.
1.Return the pan to medium heat.2.Add bay leaf, green cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and black peppercorns and cook for 30 seconds.3.Add the onion-nut paste and cook until it thickens and the ghee starts to show at the edges.4.Add coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt and mix well. - simmer · ~8 min
Add the yogurt and make the gravy.
Lower the heat and add the whisked yogurt gradually, stirring well so it stays smooth. Pour in the water and simmer until the gravy turns silky and lightly thick.
TIPAdd the yogurt on low heat and keep stirring to prevent splitting. - simmer · ~6 min
Warm the eggs in the korma.
Add the boiled eggs to the gravy and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes so the eggs absorb the flavor.
- garnish · ~1 min
Finish with garam masala, kewra water, and cilantro.
Sprinkle in the garam masala, drizzle the kewra water, and garnish with chopped cilantro.
- serve
Serve the Awadhi Anda Korma hot.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Prick each boiled egg lightly with a fork before simmering so the korma flavors seep in better.
- 2Take the onions to a deep golden brown, not dark brown; this gives the gravy its Awadhi sweetness without bitterness.
- 3Blend the onion-cashew-melon seed mixture completely smooth for the signature silky korma texture.
- 4When adding yogurt, keep the flame low and stir constantly to avoid curdling in the hot masala.
- 5If the gravy gets too thick after adding the eggs, loosen it with a splash of hot water rather than cold water.
- 6Add kewra water only at the end and sparingly, because too much can overpower the delicate spice profile.
- 7This korma tastes even better after a short rest, as the eggs absorb the aromatic gravy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Shahi
Add a spoon of cream and a few saffron strands for an even richer, more festive Awadhi-style finish.
low spiceLow-spice
Skip the green chilies and reduce red chili powder for a milder korma that keeps the fragrance of kewra and whole spices.
paneerPaneer
Replace eggs with lightly fried paneer cubes if you want a vegetarian version with the same creamy korma gravy.
jain styleJain-style
Omit onion and garlic, and use a yogurt-nut base with extra whole spices for a simplified onion-free adaptation.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Protein Content
Eggs provide satisfying protein, making this korma more filling and balanced than a gravy alone.
Healthy Fats from Nuts and Seeds
Cashews and melon seeds add richness along with nourishing fats that help carry the dish's spices and aromas.
Probiotic Dairy Element
Yogurt contributes creaminess and beneficial cultured dairy, while also lending gentle tang to the gravy.
Aromatic Spice Support
Ginger, garlic, peppercorns, cloves, and cardamom add flavor complexity and bring traditional warming spice character.
Frequently asked questions
It usually splits if added over high heat or too quickly. Lower the flame, whisk the yogurt well, and stir continuously as you add it.



