Egg Kalvan
A rustic and spicy Maharashtrian egg curry where hard-boiled eggs are simmered in a flavorful gravy made with roasted coconut, onions, and aromatic spices. A perfect comfort food to enjoy with bhakri or rice.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil and Prepare the Eggs
- b.Place 8 eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water by at least an inch. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- c.Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes for perfect hard-boiled eggs.
- d.Drain the hot water and immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes. This stops the cooking and makes them easier to peel.
- e.Peel the eggs and make 2-3 shallow vertical slits on each one. This helps them absorb the flavors of the gravy. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Roasted Masala Paste (Vatan)
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced large onion and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes deep golden brown.
- c.Add the dry coconut and roast for another 2-3 minutes until it turns fragrant and reddish-brown. Be careful not to burn it.
- d.Add the chopped ginger and garlic cloves and sauté for one more minute until their raw smell disappears.
- e.Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down completely.
- f.Transfer the cooled mixture to a grinder jar. Blend into a very smooth paste, adding 2-3 tablespoons of water as needed to help with grinding.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Curry Base
- b.In the same pan or a kadai, heat the remaining 2 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Wait for them to splutter, which should take about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the finely chopped medium onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- e.Add the prepared roasted masala paste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the paste darkens in color and you see oil separating from the sides. This step is crucial for a flavorful curry.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Build the Gravy and Simmer
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and goda masala. Stir continuously for 30-40 seconds to cook the spices without burning them.
- c.Add the finely chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the tomatoes break down and become mushy, integrating into the masala.
- d.Pour in 2 cups of hot water and the remaining salt. Stir well to combine everything. Bring the gravy to a gentle boil.
- e.Carefully slide the slit hard-boiled eggs into the simmering gravy.
- f.Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let the curry simmer for 8-10 minutes. This allows the eggs to absorb the rich flavors.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Garnish generously with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- c.Let the Egg Kalvan rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together.
- d.Serve hot with traditional Maharashtrian Bhakri (jowar or bajra roti), chapati, or steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Roasting the onion and coconut until deeply browned is the secret to the authentic, rich, and dark color of the kalvan.
- 2Using hot water for the gravy helps maintain the cooking temperature, resulting in a better texture and vibrant color.
- 3For an extra layer of flavor, lightly fry the slit boiled eggs in 1 tsp of oil with a pinch of turmeric and chili powder before adding them to the gravy.
- 4The consistency of the gravy can be adjusted. Add less water for a thicker gravy or more for a thinner one.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spice Swap
If you don't have Goda Masala, you can use Malvani Masala for a coastal flavor profile, or a mix of garam masala and a pinch of cinnamon and clove powder, though the taste will differ.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Add boiled and cubed potatoes along with the eggs to make the curry more substantial.
Vegetarian VersionVegetarian Version
Replace the eggs with fried paneer cubes or boiled chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian alternative. Add them at the final simmering stage.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
For a richer, creamier texture, you can use fresh grated coconut instead of dry coconut for the masala paste.
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.
Rich in Healthy Fats
The use of coconut provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of healthy fat that can be a quick source of energy for the body.
Metabolism-Boosting Spices
Spices like red chili, cumin, and turmeric contain compounds that can help boost metabolism and offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Egg Kalvan can be a part of a balanced diet. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. The curry contains spices with potential health benefits. However, it also uses oil and coconut, which contribute to its fat and calorie content. To make it healthier, you can reduce the amount of oil used.