Haaor Koni Anja
A comforting and rustic duck egg curry from Assam, featuring hard-boiled duck eggs and tender potatoes simmered in a fragrant, lightly spiced onion-tomato gravy. A true taste of Assamese home cooking.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil Eggs and Potatoes
- b.Place the duck eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, and cook for 10-12 minutes until hard-boiled.
- c.Simultaneously, boil the potato cubes in a separate pot of salted water for 8-10 minutes until they are just tender but still hold their shape. Drain.
- d.Once the eggs are cooked, transfer them to an ice bath to cool down, then peel them. Gently prick each egg a few times with a fork or toothpick.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry Eggs and Potatoes
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of mustard oil in a kadai or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it is lightly smoking.
- c.Reduce the heat to medium, add a pinch of turmeric powder, then carefully place the boiled eggs in the oil.
- d.Fry the eggs, turning frequently, for 3-4 minutes until they develop a light golden, slightly crisp layer. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- e.In the same oil, add the boiled potato cubes and fry for 4-5 minutes until their edges are golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Curry Base (Masala)
- b.In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil if needed. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until soft and golden brown.
- c.Add the ginger and garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- d.Stir in the tomato puree and slit green chilies. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and you see oil separating at the edges.
- e.Add the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the spices are fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer and Finish the Curry
- b.Gently return the fried eggs and potatoes to the pan. Stir carefully to coat them with the masala without breaking them.
- c.Pour in 1.5 cups of warm water and stir to combine. Bring the curry to a gentle boil.
- d.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken slightly.
- e.Turn off the heat and stir in the garam masala powder. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- f.Let the curry rest for 5-10 minutes before serving hot with steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pricking the boiled eggs is essential; it allows the gravy to penetrate the egg whites, making them more flavorful.
- 2Using mustard oil is key for the authentic Assamese flavor. Heat it until it just starts to smoke to mellow its pungency.
- 3Frying the eggs gives them a wonderful texture and prevents them from crumbling in the gravy.
- 4For a richer, smoother gravy, you can blend the sautéed onions and tomatoes into a paste before adding the powdered spices.
- 5Adjust the water quantity to achieve your desired gravy consistency – less for a thick curry, more for a thinner one.
- 6Always use warm water when adding to the curry to maintain the cooking temperature and prevent the flavors from dulling.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
If duck eggs are unavailable, you can use regular chicken eggs. Adjust the boiling time to 8-10 minutes for hard-boiled chicken eggs.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Incorporate green peas or cauliflower florets for added texture and nutrition. Add them along with the potatoes to fry.
Spice LevelSpice Level
For a spicier curry, add a pinch of red chili powder along with the other powdered spices or increase the number of green chilies.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
For a richer finish, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of coconut milk or fresh cream at the end of the cooking process, just before adding the garam masala.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Duck eggs are a powerhouse of high-quality protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
This dish provides essential nutrients like Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and selenium from the duck eggs, and Vitamin C from tomatoes, which supports immune function.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from potatoes offer a steady release of energy, keeping you full and energized for longer periods.
Anti-inflammatory Spices
Spices like turmeric (containing curcumin), ginger, and garlic are known for their natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help combat oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be part of a healthy diet. Duck eggs are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. The dish also contains vegetables and spices with various health benefits. To make it healthier, you can reduce the amount of oil used.