Boiled Anda
Perfectly boiled eggs (Anda), a simple and protein-packed staple in Indian households. Whether you prefer them soft-boiled (runny yolk), medium-boiled (jammy yolk), or hard-boiled for salads and curries, this foolproof method delivers perfect results every time.
For 2 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Place eggs in a saucepan with cold water.
- b.Gently place the eggs in a single layer in a saucepan or small pot.
- c.Add enough cold water to cover the eggs completely by about 1 inch.
- d.Stir in the salt. This helps prevent the shells from cracking during boiling.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Bring to a boil and simmer.
- b.Place the pot on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a full, rolling boil.
- c.As soon as it boils, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and start a timer for your desired doneness.
- d.For Soft-Boiled (runny yolk): 6-7 minutes.
- e.For Medium-Boiled (jammy yolk): 8-9 minutes.
- f.For Hard-Boiled (firm yolk): 10-12 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the ice bath.
- b.While the eggs are simmering, fill a medium-sized bowl with cold water and add plenty of ice cubes. Set it aside.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shock the eggs to stop cooking.
- b.Once the timer is up, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the eggs from the hot water and immediately transfer them into the prepared ice bath.
- c.Let the eggs cool in the ice bath for at least 5-10 minutes. This 'shocking' process stops them from overcooking and makes them significantly easier to peel.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Peel and serve.
- b.To peel, gently tap an egg on a hard surface to crack the shell all over. Roll it between your palms to loosen the shell.
- c.Peel the egg, preferably under cool running water to help wash away any small shell fragments.
- d.Serve warm, sprinkled with salt and pepper, or use in your favorite recipes.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Using eggs that are a week or two old will be easier to peel than very fresh eggs.
- 2Starting with cold water ensures the eggs heat up gradually, which prevents cracking and promotes even cooking.
- 3The ice bath is a crucial step. It prevents the formation of a greenish-grey ring around the yolk of hard-boiled eggs.
- 4For a classic Indian snack, slice the boiled eggs in half and sprinkle with chaat masala, black salt (kala namak), and a pinch of red chili powder.
- 5Adding a splash of vinegar to the boiling water can help the egg white solidify faster if a crack does appear.
Adapt it for your goals.
Masala Fried Anda
After boiling and peeling, slice the eggs in half. Pan-fry them with a pinch of turmeric, red chili powder, and salt for a delicious and spicy snack.
Anda CurryAnda Curry
Use the hard-boiled eggs to make a classic Indian egg curry. Add them whole or halved to a simple onion-tomato gravy and simmer.
Egg Bhurji (Scramble)Egg Bhurji (Scramble)
Instead of boiling, you can crack the eggs and make Anda Bhurji, a popular Indian scrambled egg dish with onions, tomatoes, and spices.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High-Quality Protein Source
Eggs are a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for building muscle, repairing tissue, and supporting overall body function.
Rich in Nutrients
Boiled eggs are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D for bone health, Vitamin B12 for nerve function, and selenium, a powerful antioxidant.
Supports Brain Health
The choline in eggs is a vital nutrient for brain development, memory, and function. It plays a key role in building cell membranes and producing signaling molecules in the brain.
Frequently asked questions
A single large boiled egg (approximately 50g) contains about 75-80 calories, making it a nutritious, low-calorie, and filling snack.