Egg Dhaniwal Korma
A creamy, aromatic Kashmiri korma where hard-boiled eggs are simmered in a luscious green gravy made from fresh coriander, yogurt, and fragrant spices. A unique and flavorful dish that's a departure from the usual red curries.
For 4 servings
Prepare Eggs & Green Paste
- Hard-boil the eggs for 10-12 minutes. Peel them and gently prick all over with a fork or toothpick. This helps them absorb the gravy.
- In a blender, combine the packed coriander leaves, green chilies, ginger, garlic, and soaked cashews. Add 3-4 tablespoons of water and blend to a smooth, thick paste. Set aside.
Shallow Fry Eggs (Optional but Recommended)
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the pricked, boiled eggs and sauté for 2-3 minutes, turning them gently, until they develop a light golden, slightly crisp layer. This adds great texture.
- Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.
Sauté Aromatics & Cook Gravy Base
- In the same pan, add the ghee. Once it's hot, add the whole spices: cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, green cardamoms, and cloves. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown.
- Add the prepared green paste to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes on medium-low heat until the raw smell disappears and you see ghee separating from the sides of the paste.
Build the Korma Gravy
- Add the dry spice powders: turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, fennel powder, and dry ginger powder. Mix well and cook for 1 minute.
- Reduce the heat to the absolute lowest setting. Slowly add the whisked, room-temperature curd while stirring continuously. This is crucial to prevent it from splitting.
- Once the curd is fully incorporated, increase the heat slightly and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the ghee starts to surface again.
- Pour in 1 cup of warm water, add salt, and mix well. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.
Simmer Eggs and Finish
- Gently place the shallow-fried eggs into the simmering gravy.
- Cover the pan and let it cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the eggs to absorb the flavors of the korma.
- Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the garam masala over the top and give it a final gentle stir.
- Let the korma rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together. Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To prevent the curd from splitting, ensure it's at room temperature and well-whisked. Always add it on the lowest heat while stirring constantly.
- 2Shallow frying the boiled eggs before adding them to the gravy gives them a pleasant, slightly chewy texture that holds up well in the korma.
- 3Use fresh, vibrant green coriander for the best color and flavor. Avoid using wilted or yellowing leaves.
- 4Don't overcook the coriander paste, as it can lose its bright green color and fresh aroma.
- 5For a richer korma, you can add 2 tablespoons of fresh cream or a splash of milk at the end along with the garam masala.
- 6The gravy will thicken as it cools. Adjust the consistency with a little warm water if needed before reheating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the eggs with 250g of paneer cubes. Shallow fry the paneer until golden before adding it to the gravy.
Meat basedMeat-based
Use 500g of chicken or mutton pieces. Sauté the meat after the onions until browned, then proceed with the recipe, adjusting cooking time until the meat is tender.
Nut FreeNut-Free
If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the cashews with 2 tablespoons of roasted gram flour (besan) or melon seeds (magaz) to thicken the gravy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Antioxidants
Fresh coriander is packed with antioxidants, while spices like turmeric, ginger, and cloves have anti-inflammatory properties that help combat oxidative stress.
Promotes Gut Health
The use of curd provides probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy digestive system and improve gut health.
Boosts Immunity
Ingredients like garlic, ginger, and various spices are known for their immune-boosting properties, helping to strengthen the body's natural defenses.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a relatively healthy dish. Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. The gravy is made with fresh coriander, curd, and spices, which offer various health benefits. To make it healthier, you can reduce the amount of ghee used.
