Kerala Egg Roast
Hard-boiled eggs tucked into a rich onion and tomato masala with coconut oil, curry leaves, and warm spices. This Kerala favorite is deeply savory, a little spicy, and perfect with appam, puttu, or parotta.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~12 min
Boil and score the eggs.
1.Place the eggs in a pot, cover with water, and boil until hard-boiled (10-12 min).2.Cool, peel, and make 2-3 shallow slits on each egg.3.Set the eggs aside while you make the masala.TIPShallow slits help the eggs absorb the masala better. - temper · ~2 min
Start the tempering.
1.Heat coconut oil in a wide pan over medium heat.2.Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.3.Add curry leaves, green chili, ginger, and garlic.4.Cook for 30-40 seconds until fragrant. - saute · ~10 min
Cook the onions well.
Add the sliced onion and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the onions turn soft, deep golden, and slightly jammy.
TIPDo not rush this step; the deep onion color gives egg roast its signature taste. - saute · ~7 min
Add tomatoes and spices.
1.Add the chopped tomato and cook until soft and pulpy (4-5 min).2.Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, black pepper, and garam masala.3.Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes so the spices lose their raw smell.TIPKeep the heat medium-low after adding the powders so they do not burn. - simmer · ~3 min
Make the roast masala.
Pour in the water and cook for 2-3 minutes until the masala thickens to a glossy, semi-dry consistency. It should coat a spoon and not look watery.
- assemble · ~4 min
Coat the eggs in the masala.
Add the boiled eggs and turn them gently in the masala until well coated. Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 minutes so the eggs pick up the flavor.
- serve
Serve the Kerala Egg Roast hot.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Slice the onions evenly and give them time to turn deep golden; that slow caramelized base is the heart of egg roast.
- 2Keep the slits on the boiled eggs shallow so they absorb masala without breaking apart while tossing.
- 3Use a wide pan rather than a deep pot so the onion-tomato masala reduces faster and turns glossy instead of steamy.
- 4After adding spice powders, lower the heat and stir constantly for a minute to avoid a bitter, burnt masala.
- 5If the masala looks too dry before the tomatoes break down, add only a splash of water so it stays roast-like, not gravy-like.
- 6Let the finished dish rest for 5 minutes off the heat; the masala clings better to the eggs as it cools slightly.
- 7This tastes even better after a few hours, so you can make the masala ahead and reheat gently with the eggs before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Extra-spicy
Add more green chili and a heavier pinch of black pepper for a hotter, toddy-shop-style edge.
gravy styleGravy-style
Increase the water slightly and simmer a bit longer if you want more sauce for appam or idiyappam.
shallot basedShallot-based
Use Kerala small onions instead of regular onions for a sweeter, deeper, more traditional flavor.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce the coconut oil a little and cook the onions covered at first; good if you want a lighter everyday version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein-Rich Main Dish
Eggs make this roast filling and satisfying, helping turn the masala into a substantial meal.
Packed with Aromatics
Onion, ginger, garlic, curry leaves, and spices bring flavor depth while adding plant compounds from whole ingredients.
Tomato-Based Masala
Tomatoes add body, gentle acidity, and a fresh vegetable component that balances the richness of the eggs and oil.
Frequently asked questions
They need steady medium heat and enough time. Cook until deeply golden and soft, not just translucent, because the onion base gives egg roast its signature taste.
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