Egg Pulusu Annam
A tangy and spicy one-pot rice dish from Andhra, where rice is cooked in a flavorful tamarind gravy with hard-boiled eggs. A comforting and satisfying meal that comes together beautifully.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preparation (15 minutes)
- b.Hard boil the eggs for 10-12 minutes. Once cooled, peel them and make a few shallow slits on each egg. Set aside.
- c.Rinse the Sona Masuri rice under running water until the water runs clear. Soak it in fresh water for 20 minutes, then drain completely.
- d.Soak the tamarind in 1 cup of warm water for 15 minutes. Squeeze the pulp thoroughly to extract its essence, then strain the liquid into a bowl, discarding the solids. This should yield about 1 cup of tamarind water.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Masala Base (10 minutes)
- b.Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or a pressure cooker over medium heat.
- c.Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and broken dried red chillies. Allow them to splutter for about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the curry leaves and slit green chillies, and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- e.Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and golden brown.
- f.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- g.Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and mushy.
- h.Add the spice powders: turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for 1 minute until the spices are aromatic and well combined.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Rice (15 minutes)
- b.Add the drained rice to the pot. Gently stir for 1 minute to coat the grains with the masala without breaking them.
- c.Pour in the prepared tamarind water and 2 additional cups of plain water. Add the powdered jaggery and salt. Stir well to combine.
- d.Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
- e.Gently place the slit hard-boiled eggs into the pot.
- f.For pot cooking: Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through.
- g.For pressure cooking: Secure the lid and cook on medium heat for 2 whistles. Let the pressure release naturally.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Rest and Serve (5 minutes)
- b.Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the pot stand, covered and undisturbed, for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice grains to firm up.
- c.Open the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork, being careful not to break the eggs or the delicate rice grains.
- d.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- e.Serve the Egg Pulusu Annam hot, accompanied by a cooling cucumber raita or crispy papad.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Making slits on the boiled eggs is key; it allows them to soak up the tangy and spicy flavors of the pulusu.
- 2Do not skip the fenugreek seeds (methi); they impart the authentic aroma and slightly bitter taste characteristic of Andhra pulusu.
- 3Jaggery is crucial for balancing the sourness of the tamarind. You can substitute with a pinch of sugar if jaggery is unavailable.
- 4For a richer flavor, lightly pan-fry the slit boiled eggs in 1 tsp of oil with a pinch of turmeric and chili powder before adding them to the rice.
- 5Letting the rice rest after cooking is an important step. It prevents the rice from becoming mushy when you fluff it.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the eggs with cubed paneer, fried potatoes, or a mix of vegetables like drumsticks, brinjal (eggplant), and carrots. Add them along with the tomatoes.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
Use boneless chicken pieces or shrimp instead of eggs. Sauté the protein with the onions until lightly browned before adding the tomatoes and spices.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chillies and add 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder along with the other spices for an extra kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent 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.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tamarind, tomatoes, and spices like turmeric are packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the rice provide a steady source of energy, making this a fulfilling and satisfying meal that keeps you powered for hours.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be part of a balanced diet. It provides a good mix of carbohydrates from rice for energy, high-quality protein from eggs for muscle repair, and various vitamins and minerals from the spices, tomatoes, and onions. To make it healthier, you can use brown rice and control the amount of oil.