Kashmiri Anda Kanti
A delightful Kashmiri street-food style dish where hard-boiled eggs are tossed in a spicy, tangy masala of onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. It's a quick and flavorful preparation, perfect as an appetizer or a side dish.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Eggs
- b.Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by at least an inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- c.Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes.
- d.Drain the hot water and immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath or run under cold water until cool to the touch.
- e.Peel the eggs carefully and slice them in half lengthwise. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium-high heat until it is very hot and just begins to smoke. This step is crucial to remove the oil's pungency.
- c.Reduce the heat to medium, add the cumin seeds, and allow them to splutter for about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes until they are deeply golden brown and caramelized.
- e.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Masala
- b.Add the finely chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and become soft and pulpy.
- c.Add all the dry spice powders: Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, fennel powder, and dry ginger powder.
- d.Stir continuously and cook the masala for 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant and you see oil separating from the mixture.
- e.Pour in 1/4 cup of water, mix well, and bring to a simmer. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the masala thickens into a rich, paste-like consistency.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Gently slide the halved boiled eggs into the pan, with the yolk side facing up initially to prevent it from crumbling.
- c.Carefully spoon the masala over the eggs and gently toss to coat them completely.
- d.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the eggs to absorb the flavors of the masala.
- e.Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the garam masala and freshly chopped coriander leaves over the top. Give it a final, gentle stir.
- f.Serve hot as an appetizer or as a side dish with Kashmiri pulao, roti, or naan.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an authentic flavor, do not skip heating the mustard oil until it smokes. This mellows its pungent taste.
- 2The deep browning of the onions is key to the rich, savory base of this dish. Be patient during this step.
- 3For an extra layer of texture, you can lightly pan-fry the boiled egg halves in a little oil until the cut side is golden brown before adding them to the masala.
- 4This is a semi-dry dish. Add just enough water to create a thick masala that clings to the eggs, not a runny gravy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the eggs with 250g of paneer cubes or large mushrooms. Pan-fry them until golden before adding to the masala.
With VegetablesWith Vegetables
Add 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers (capsicum) along with the tomatoes for extra crunch and flavor.
Creamier VersionCreamier Version
For a richer, less traditional take, stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh cream or whisked yogurt at the end of cooking, with the heat turned off.
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, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Antioxidants
Spices like turmeric (containing curcumin) and the use of onions and tomatoes provide a range of antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Aids Digestion
Fennel powder, a key spice in this recipe, is well-known for its digestive properties, helping to reduce bloating and improve gut health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be part of a healthy diet. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. The dish uses whole spices with various health benefits. To make it healthier, you can be mindful of the amount of oil used.