Hyderabadi Egg Malai Kurma
A luxurious Hyderabadi curry where boiled eggs are simmered in a rich, creamy gravy made from cashews, poppy seeds, and fresh cream. It's a mildly spiced, fragrant dish perfect with naan or pulao.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Eggs and Paste
- b.Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Drain and transfer to an ice bath. Once cool, peel the eggs and make a few shallow slits on each one. Set aside.
- c.While eggs are boiling, soak the cashew nuts and poppy seeds in 1/2 cup of warm water for at least 15 minutes.
- d.In a blender, combine the soaked cashews and poppy seeds (with their soaking water), 1 roughly chopped onion, and green chilies. Blend until you have a completely smooth, fine paste.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Eggs and Temper Spices
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Gently add the slit boiled eggs and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until they are lightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- d.In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 tablespoon of ghee. Once hot, add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and green cardamom. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Gravy Base
- b.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 6-8 minutes until it turns soft and golden brown.
- c.Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- d.Reduce the heat to low. Add the prepared cashew-onion paste to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent sticking, until the paste thickens and you see oil separating at the edges.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Spices and Yogurt
- b.Add the turmeric, Kashmiri red chili, coriander, and cumin powders. Stir and cook for 30 seconds.
- c.Ensure the heat is still on low. Add the whisked curd and stir vigorously and continuously for 2-3 minutes to prevent it from splitting. Cook until the oil begins to surface again.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer the Kurma
- b.Pour in 1.5 cups of water and add salt. Mix everything well to combine.
- c.Bring the gravy to a gentle boil, then 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.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Gently slide the sautéed eggs into the simmering gravy.
- c.Stir in the fresh cream, garam masala, and crushed kasuri methi. Mix gently to incorporate.
- d.Simmer for another 2 minutes, uncovered. Avoid boiling the curry after adding the cream.
- e.Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or basmati rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking cashews and poppy seeds in warm water is crucial for a silky-smooth gravy paste.
- 2Always add whisked yogurt on low heat and stir continuously to prevent the gravy from splitting.
- 3Sautéing the boiled eggs before adding them to the gravy gives them a slightly firm exterior and enhances their flavor.
- 4The cashew paste can stick to the bottom of the pan easily, so make sure to stir it constantly while cooking.
- 5For a richer flavor, you can use milk instead of water to adjust the gravy's consistency.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace eggs with pan-fried firm tofu or boiled potatoes. Use coconut cream instead of dairy cream and a plant-based yogurt instead of curd.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Substitute the cashew nuts with an equal amount of melon seeds (magaz) to achieve a similar creamy texture.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies in the paste or add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper powder along with the other powdered spices.
Richer GravyRicher Gravy
For an even more decadent version, use a paste of blanched almonds along with the cashews.
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.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Cashew nuts contribute monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Supports Bone Health
The inclusion of curd and cream provides a good amount of calcium, a mineral that is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Hyderabadi Egg Malai Kurma contains approximately 480-550 calories, primarily from the eggs, nuts, cream, and oils used in the gravy.