Gujarati Egg Pulao
Fragrant basmati rice and hard-boiled eggs come together in this delightful one-pot meal. It carries the signature sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors of Gujarati cuisine, making it a unique and satisfying dish.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Rice and Eggs
- b.Rinse the basmati rice under cool water until the water runs clear. Soak it in ample water for 30 minutes, then drain completely.
- c.While the rice soaks, hard-boil the eggs for 10-12 minutes. Peel them and make a few shallow slits on each egg with a knife. This helps them absorb the masala flavors.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Eggs
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of ghee in a wide pan over medium heat. Add a pinch of turmeric and red chili powder.
- c.Carefully place the slit, boiled eggs into the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, turning gently, until they develop a light golden, slightly crisp layer. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Temper Spices and Sauté Aromatics
- b.In the same pan (or a heavy-bottomed pot), add the remaining 2 tbsp of ghee. Once hot, add the whole spices: cinnamon stick, cloves, green cardamom, and bay leaf. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until fragrant.
- c.Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply golden brown. This step is crucial for the flavor base.
- d.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Masala
- b.Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes until they turn soft and mushy.
- c.Stir in the spice powders: turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Add the salt and sugar. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the Pulao
- b.Add the drained basmati rice to the pot. Gently stir for one minute to coat the grains with the masala, being careful not to break them.
- c.Pour in 3 cups of water and the lemon juice. Stir once and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
- d.Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is perfectly cooked.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Combine, Rest, and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Open the lid and gently nestle the sautéed eggs into the cooked rice.
- c.Cover the pot again and let the pulao rest undisturbed for at least 10 minutes. This 'dum' step allows the flavors to meld and the rice grains to firm up.
- d.After resting, gently fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with a side of yogurt or raita.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking the basmati rice is non-negotiable for long, fluffy, and separate grains.
- 2Frying the onions to a deep golden brown (birista) is the secret to a rich, sweet, and savory flavor base.
- 3Use a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio for perfectly cooked rice. For 1.5 cups of rice, use 3 cups of water.
- 4Letting the pulao rest for 10 minutes after cooking is crucial. It makes the grains firmer and enhances the overall flavor.
- 5For a richer taste, garnish with a handful of fried cashews or peanuts.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the eggs with 200g of cubed paneer. Sauté the paneer cubes just like the eggs until golden and add them at the end.
With VegetablesWith Vegetables
Add 1 cup of mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and green beans along with the tomatoes to make it more nutritious.
SpicierSpicier
Increase the amount of green chilies to 3-4 and add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder for more heat.
In a Pressure CookerIn a Pressure Cooker
Follow the recipe until Step 5. After adding water, close the pressure cooker and cook for 2 whistles on medium heat. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Provides Sustained Energy
Basmati rice is a complex carbohydrate with a lower glycemic index than other white rice, offering a steady release of energy to keep you feeling full and active.
Rich in Beneficial Spices
The blend of Indian spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves is not just for flavor; they are packed with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to overall wellness.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of approximately 1.5 cups contains around 500-550 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.