Goan Tomato Egg Curry
A wonderfully tangy and spicy curry from the heart of Goa. Hard-boiled eggs are simmered in a rich gravy made from tomatoes, fresh coconut, and a fragrant blend of whole spices. A comforting meal best enjoyed with steamed rice.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Eggs
- b.Place 8 eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
- c.Drain the hot water and plunge the eggs into an ice bath or cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cool, peel the eggs.
- d.Gently make 2-3 shallow slits on each boiled egg with a knife. This helps them absorb the curry flavor.
- e.Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat. Lightly fry the slit eggs for 2-3 minutes until they develop a pale golden, slightly crisp skin. Set aside. This step is optional but recommended for texture.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Goan Masala Paste
- b.In a small, dry pan over low heat, toast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, and Kashmiri red chillies for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- c.Transfer the toasted spices to a high-speed blender. Add the roughly chopped onion, chopped tomatoes, garlic cloves, ginger, grated coconut, turmeric powder, and tamarind paste.
- d.Blend everything to a very smooth paste. Add a few tablespoons of water if needed to facilitate grinding.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Curry Base
- b.Heat the remaining 2 tbsp of oil in a large pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until soft, translucent, and lightly golden.
- d.Add the ground masala paste to the pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the paste darkens, thickens, and you see oil separating from the sides. This step is crucial for developing deep flavors.
- e.Pour in 1.5 cups of water, add salt and the optional sugar. Stir well to combine and bring the curry to a gentle boil.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer and Finish
- b.Gently slide the fried hard-boiled eggs into the simmering curry.
- c.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. This allows the eggs to soak up the rich flavors of the gravy.
- d.Stir in the garam masala and turn off the heat.
- e.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving hot with steamed rice or Goan pao.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper red color, use authentic Kashmiri red chillies, which are mild in heat but rich in color.
- 2Frying the boiled eggs before adding them to the curry gives them a lovely texture and prevents them from breaking.
- 3Don't rush cooking the masala paste. Sautéing it until oil separates is key to developing a deep, rich flavor.
- 4If you don't have fresh coconut, you can use desiccated coconut, but soak it in warm water for 15 minutes before grinding.
- 5This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
- 6For a creamier curry, you can add 1/4 cup of thick coconut milk at the end, just before adding the garam masala.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Vegetables
Add boiled and cubed potatoes or green peas along with the eggs for a more substantial curry.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
Replace the eggs with firm tofu cubes (pan-fried) or boiled chickpeas. Add them at the final simmering stage.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
Substitute half of the water with thin coconut milk and finish with a swirl of thick coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
This masala base works wonderfully with chicken, prawns, or fish like pomfret or kingfish.
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 repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. The various spices also contribute to the antioxidant content.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Ingredients like turmeric (containing curcumin), ginger, and garlic are well-known for their natural anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Contains Healthy Fats
The fresh coconut provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of healthy fat that is easily digestible and can be a quick source of energy.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Goan Tomato Egg Curry contains approximately 360-400 calories, depending on the size of the eggs and the amount of oil and coconut used. It's a balanced meal providing protein, fats, and carbohydrates.