Egg Malai Curry
Creamy, luscious, and mildly spiced, this Mughlai-style egg curry is a royal treat. Hard-boiled eggs are simmered in a rich gravy made with cashews, cream, and fragrant spices. Perfect for a special dinner with naan or rice.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preparation
- b.Using a fork or knife, gently make 2-3 shallow slits on each hard-boiled egg. This helps them absorb the gravy's flavor. Set aside.
- c.Drain the soaked cashews and transfer them to a blender. Add 3-4 tablespoons of water and blend to a very smooth, fine paste. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat oil and ghee together in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the whole spices: bay leaf, cinnamon stick, green cardamoms, and cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
- d.Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until they turn soft and light golden brown.
- e.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Gravy Base
- b.Reduce the heat to the absolute lowest setting. Add the whisked curd to the pan, stirring continuously and vigorously for 1-2 minutes to prevent it from curdling.
- c.Once the curd is incorporated, add the spice powders: turmeric, coriander, Kashmiri red chili, and white pepper powder, along with the salt. Mix well.
- d.Cook the masala on low-medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until you see oil beginning to separate at the edges.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Curry
- b.Stir in the prepared cashew paste. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly as the paste can stick to the bottom of the pan.
- c.Pour in 1.5 cups of water and add the sugar. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the gravy to a gentle boil.
- d.Carefully slide the slit hard-boiled eggs into the gravy.
- e.Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let the curry simmer for 8-10 minutes. This allows the eggs to absorb the flavors of the rich gravy.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Garnish
- b.Turn the heat to the lowest setting. Stir in the fresh cream and the crushed kasuri methi.
- c.Sprinkle the garam masala over the top. Gently mix everything and let it heat through for just one more minute. Do not allow the curry to boil after adding the cream.
- d.Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To prevent the curd from splitting, ensure it is at room temperature and whisked well before adding. Always add it on the lowest heat while stirring continuously.
- 2For a richer texture, you can lightly shallow-fry the boiled eggs in a teaspoon of oil until they get a pale golden skin before adding them to the gravy.
- 3Do not boil the curry after adding fresh cream, as high heat can cause it to curdle and ruin the smooth texture of the gravy.
- 4For a restaurant-style smooth gravy, you can cool the fried onion mixture and blend it into a paste before adding the curd and spices.
- 5Adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding a little hot water if it becomes too thick upon simmering.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the 8 eggs with 250g of paneer cubes. Lightly fry the paneer until golden before adding it to the gravy at the simmering stage.
Richer GravyRicher Gravy
Add 1 tablespoon of almond paste or 2 tablespoons of milk powder along with the cashew paste for an even creamier and richer flavor.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the green chilies to 3-4 and add 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder along with the white pepper for an extra kick of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Source of Healthy Fats
Cashew nuts provide monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help in managing cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation.
Energy Booster
The combination of protein from eggs and healthy fats from nuts, ghee, and cream provides sustained energy, making this a very fulfilling and satisfying meal.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Egg Malai Curry contains approximately 480-550 calories, primarily from the eggs, cream, ghee, and cashew nuts. The exact count can vary based on the fat content of the cream and the amount of oil used.