Egg Puff
Flaky, golden puff pastry filled with a spicy onion masala and a hard-boiled egg. A beloved bakery-style snack from Kerala, perfect with a cup of hot chai.
For 6 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs
- b.Place 3 eggs in a single layer in a saucepan. Cover with cold water by at least 1 inch.
- c.Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let it stand for 10-12 minutes.
- d.Carefully drain the hot water and immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for 5 minutes.
- e.Peel the cooled eggs and slice them in half lengthwise. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Masala Filling
- b.Heat oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 8-10 minutes, until they are soft, translucent, and starting to turn golden brown.
- c.Add the ginger garlic paste, green chillies, and curry leaves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- d.Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they break down and become mushy.
- e.Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Stir continuously for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- f.Add salt to taste and mix well. Turn off the heat, stir in the chopped coriander leaves, and transfer the masala to a bowl to cool down completely. This is crucial to prevent a soggy pastry.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Egg Puffs
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- c.Lightly flour a clean work surface. Gently unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet.
- d.Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the sheet into 6 equal rectangles.
- e.Spoon about 1.5 tablespoons of the cooled masala into the center of each pastry rectangle, spreading it slightly.
- f.Place one half of a boiled egg, yolk-side down, onto the masala.
- g.Gently fold one side of the pastry over the filling to meet the other side, forming a rectangle. Press the edges firmly with your fingers to seal.
- h.For a secure seal, crimp the edges with the tines of a fork.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bake to Golden Perfection
- b.Carefully place the assembled puffs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is at least 1-2 inches of space between them.
- c.In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
- d.Brush the tops of the puffs evenly with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden shine.
- e.Bake on the middle rack for 18-22 minutes, or until the puffs are deeply golden brown and well-puffed.
- f.Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the masala is completely cool before placing it on the pastry. A warm filling will melt the butter in the pastry and make it soggy.
- 2Handle the puff pastry as little as possible and keep it cold. Overworking it or letting it get warm will result in less flaky puffs.
- 3Seal the edges of the puffs very well to prevent the delicious filling from leaking out during baking.
- 4For an extra crispy bottom, you can preheat the baking sheet in the oven before placing the puffs on it.
- 5Do not skip the egg wash; it's the secret to the classic shiny, golden-brown bakery look.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Puff
Replace the egg with a filling of spiced mashed potatoes, peas, and carrots for a vegetarian version.
Chicken PuffChicken Puff
Use a spicy minced chicken (chicken keema) filling instead of the onion masala and egg.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper powder along with the other spices in the masala for an extra kick.
Vegan PuffVegan Puff
Use a vegan puff pastry, replace the egg with spiced tofu or mushrooms, and brush with plant-based milk instead of egg wash.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Provides Energy
The puff pastry is rich in carbohydrates, which the body uses as its primary fuel source, providing a quick and effective energy boost.
Frequently asked questions
A single bakery-style Egg Puff contains approximately 300-380 calories, primarily from the puff pastry (fat and carbohydrates) and the egg (protein and fat).
