Kerala Duck Egg Curry
Rich, creamy duck eggs simmered in a fragrant coconut milk gravy, spiced with classic Kerala aromatics. A hearty and flavorful curry that pairs perfectly with appam, idiyappam, or steamed rice.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Boil the Duck Eggs
- b.Place the 8 duck eggs in a pot and cover with cold water by at least one inch.
- c.Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
- d.Drain the hot water and immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier.
- e.Once cooled, carefully peel the eggs and make 2-3 shallow slits on each one. This helps them absorb the curry flavors.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Lightly Fry the Eggs
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of coconut oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add a pinch of turmeric powder and red chili powder to the oil.
- d.Gently add the boiled and slit eggs to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until they develop a light golden-brown, slightly crisp coating. Remove the eggs and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Curry Base (Tadka)
- b.In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tbsp of coconut oil.
- c.Once hot, add 1 tsp of mustard seeds and let them splutter completely.
- d.Add the curry leaves and slit green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- e.Add the finely chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
- f.Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Masala
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic, ensuring they don't burn.
- c.Add the finely chopped tomatoes and salt. Mix well and cook until the tomatoes break down completely and oil begins to separate from the masala, about 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer the Curry with Eggs
- b.Pour in the thin coconut milk and mix everything together, scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
- c.Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.
- d.Carefully place the fried eggs back into the gravy.
- e.Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the eggs to absorb the flavors.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Stir in the thick coconut milk and garam masala.
- c.Gently heat the curry for another 2-3 minutes. Do not let it boil, as this can cause the thick coconut milk to curdle.
- d.Turn off the heat, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves, and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Making slits in the boiled eggs is crucial for them to absorb the masala.
- 2Sautéing the eggs in spice-infused oil before adding them to the curry gives them a lovely texture and color.
- 3Cook the onions until they are nicely golden brown for a richer, deeper flavor in the gravy.
- 4Always add spice powders on low heat to avoid burning them, which can make the curry bitter.
- 5Never boil the curry after adding thick coconut milk; just heat it through gently to maintain its creamy texture.
- 6This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
- 7Serve with traditional Kerala breads like Appam or Idiyappam, or with plain steamed rice or parotta.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This curry works beautifully with regular chicken eggs if duck eggs are unavailable. Follow the same boiling and frying process.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
Replace the eggs with pan-fried firm tofu, boiled potatoes, or chickpeas. Add them at the same stage as the eggs.
Spicier CurrySpicier Curry
For extra heat, add 1/2 tsp of black pepper powder along with the garam masala at the end, or add more slit green chilies.
Richer GravyRicher Gravy
For an even creamier and richer gravy, add 1 tbsp of cashew paste (soaked and ground cashews) along with the thin coconut milk.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Duck eggs are a fantastic source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Duck eggs are nutritionally dense, providing significant amounts of Vitamin B12 for nerve function, Vitamin A for vision, and selenium, a powerful antioxidant.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The curry contains spices like turmeric (with its active compound curcumin) and ginger, which are known for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Provides Healthy Fats
Coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that is more easily metabolized by the body for energy compared to other saturated fats.
Frequently asked questions
It can be part of a balanced diet. Duck eggs are a great source of protein, Vitamin B12, and selenium. However, the curry is rich due to coconut milk, which is high in saturated fats. Enjoy it in moderation.