Egg Kaju Curry
A creamy, rich curry where boiled eggs and roasted cashews swim in a luscious tomato-onion gravy. It's a restaurant-style dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home, perfect for a special weeknight dinner or weekend meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preparation and Frying
- b.Soak 1/4 cup of cashews in 1/4 cup of warm water for 20 minutes. Then, grind into a smooth paste.
- c.Gently prick the hard-boiled eggs with a fork or make shallow slits. This helps them absorb flavor and prevents them from bursting.
- d.Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of whole cashews and fry for 1-2 minutes until light golden. Remove and set aside.
- e.In the same oil, add the pricked eggs and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they develop a light golden, slightly blistered skin. Remove and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Gravy Base
- b.Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the same pan. Once hot, add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown.
- d.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chillies. Sauté for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Masala
- b.Add the tomato puree to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring, until it thickens.
- c.Add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and coriander powder. Mix well and cook the masala on medium-low heat for 7-8 minutes, until it darkens in color and oil begins to separate from the sides. This step is crucial for a deep flavor.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Simmer
- b.Reduce the heat to low and stir in the prepared cashew paste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent it from sticking.
- c.Slowly pour in 1.5 cups of water and add the salt. Whisk well to create a smooth, lump-free gravy. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- d.Add the fried eggs and fried cashews to the gravy. Cover and simmer on low heat for 5-6 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Garnish
- b.Crush the kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it into the curry along with the garam masala.
- c.Stir in the fresh cream. Mix gently and cook for just one more minute. Do not let the curry boil after adding the cream.
- d.Turn off the heat, garnish with chopped coriander leaves, and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pricking the boiled eggs is essential. It prevents them from bursting in hot oil and allows the gravy to penetrate, making them more flavorful.
- 2The key to a rich, restaurant-style curry is to patiently cook the onion-tomato masala until oil visibly separates from the mixture.
- 3Always add the cashew paste on low heat and stir constantly to avoid lumps and prevent it from scorching at the bottom of the pan.
- 4For an even smoother gravy, you can blend the cooked onion-tomato masala before adding the cashew paste.
- 5To make the dish richer, you can use a paste of fried onions (birista) instead of sautéing raw onions.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan Version
Replace the boiled eggs with pan-fried firm tofu cubes or boiled potatoes. Substitute the dairy cream with an equal amount of full-fat coconut milk or more cashew cream.
Spicier CurrySpicier Curry
Increase the amount of green chillies and red chilli powder. You can also add a pinch of black pepper along with the garam masala for extra heat.
Nut Free VersionNut-Free Version
For a nut-free alternative, replace the cashew paste with a paste made from 2 tablespoons of roasted melon seeds (magaz) or poppy seeds (khus khus), soaked and ground in the same way.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids. This is crucial for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Source of Healthy Fats
Cashews are packed with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help in managing bad cholesterol levels.
Energy Boosting
The combination of high-quality protein from eggs, healthy fats from cashews, and carbohydrates provides a sustained release of energy, making it a very satisfying and fulfilling meal.
Frequently asked questions
It's moderately healthy. It is a great source of protein from eggs and healthy monounsaturated fats from cashews. However, it is also rich and calorie-dense due to the cream, oil, and cashews, so it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.