Egg Malai Masala
A luxurious and creamy North Indian curry where hard-boiled eggs are simmered in a rich gravy of cashews, cream, and gentle spices. This mildly sweet and savory dish is a perfect comfort food for a special weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Eggs and Cashew Paste
- b.Gently make a few shallow slits on the hard-boiled eggs. This helps them absorb the gravy.
- c.Drain the soaked cashews and grind them with 2-3 tablespoons of water to a very smooth, creamy paste. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Eggs
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the slit eggs, a pinch of turmeric powder, and a pinch of Kashmiri red chili powder.
- d.Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the eggs develop a light golden, slightly crisp layer. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Gravy Base
- b.In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee.
- c.Once hot, add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and green cardamom. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and golden brown.
- e.Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Masalas
- b.Lower the heat and add the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and coriander powder. Stir for 30 seconds to prevent burning.
- c.Add the tomato puree and salt. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the mixture thickens and you see oil separating from the sides of the masala.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Incorporate Creamy Elements
- b.Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Add the whisked curd and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to prevent it from curdling.
- c.Once the curd is well incorporated, add the prepared cashew paste. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the gravy thickens and becomes glossy.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Simmer the Curry
- b.Pour in 1 cup of warm water and add sugar (if using). Mix everything well to form a smooth gravy. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- c.Gently slide the sautéed eggs into the gravy.
- d.Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the eggs to absorb the flavors of the curry.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Finish and Garnish
- b.Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh cream and the crushed kasuri methi. Mix gently.
- c.Sprinkle the garam masala on top and give it a final gentle stir. Do not boil the curry after adding cream.
- d.Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or jeera rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking cashews in warm water makes them easier to grind into a super smooth paste.
- 2Always add curd and cream on low heat and stir constantly to prevent the gravy from splitting.
- 3Making shallow cuts on the eggs helps them absorb the maximum flavor from the gravy.
- 4For a richer flavor, you can use half milk and half water to adjust the gravy consistency.
- 5Ensure your curd and cream are at room temperature before adding them to the hot pan to minimize the risk of curdling.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace eggs with pan-fried tofu or boiled potatoes. Use a neutral oil instead of ghee, and substitute dairy cream and curd with full-fat coconut cream or a larger quantity of cashew cream.
Nut FreeNut-Free
For a nut-free version, replace the cashew paste with a paste made from 2 tablespoons of melon seeds (magaz) or poppy seeds (khus khus), soaked and ground similarly.
SpicierSpicier
Add 1-2 slit green chilies along with the onions for a bit of heat. You can also increase the amount of Kashmiri red chili powder or add a pinch of regular red chili powder.
With VegetablesWith Vegetables
Add blanched green peas or lightly sautéed bell peppers to the gravy along with the eggs for extra texture and nutrition.
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 building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Rich in Healthy Fats
The use of cashews and ghee provides monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.
Provides Essential Vitamins and Minerals
This dish is a good source of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and selenium from eggs, and minerals like magnesium and copper from cashews.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Egg Malai Masala contains approximately 390-420 calories, depending on the amount of ghee and cream used. It's a rich dish, best enjoyed in moderation.