Malvani Egg Curry
Hard-boiled eggs simmered in a robust, aromatic Malvani coconut-based gravy. This coastal Maharashtra favorite gets its deep flavor from freshly roasted spices blended with coconut and tamarind, resulting in a mildly tangy, spicy, and utterly satisfying curry that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or bhakri.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Boil and prep the eggs.
Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and boil for 10 minutes. Drain, cool under running water, peel, and prick lightly all over with a fork. Set aside.
TIPPricking the eggs helps the masala penetrate deeper. - roast · ~7 min
Dry roast the Malvani masala ingredients.
1.In a pan over medium-low heat, dry roast dried red chilies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, peppercorns, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, and poppy seeds for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.2.Add grated coconut and continue roasting until it turns golden brown (4-5 minutes).3.Sprinkle turmeric powder in the last 30 seconds, stir, and remove from heat. Let cool completely.TIPKeep the heat low — spices burn easily and turn bitter. - mix · ~2 min
Grind the masala paste.
Transfer the cooled roasted mixture to a blender. Add tamarind paste and 1/2 cup water. Grind to a smooth, fine paste. Set aside.
- saute · ~9 min
Saute the onion base.
1.Heat oil in a kadhai or deep pan over medium heat.2.Add chopped onions and sauté until deep golden brown (7-8 minutes).3.Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell goes away (1 minute).TIPProperly browning the onions is key to the gravy's deep color. - saute · ~9 min
Cook the tomato and masala.
1.Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they turn soft and mushy (3-4 minutes).2.Add the ground Malvani masala paste and stir well.3.Cook the masala for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until oil separates from the sides.TIPCooking the masala well removes the raw coconut taste and deepens the flavor. - simmer · ~10 min
Simmer the curry.
1.Add 1 cup water and salt to the pan. Stir and bring to a boil.2.Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the gravy thickens slightly. - simmer · ~5 min
Add eggs and finish.
1.Gently slide the boiled eggs into the simmering gravy.2.Spoon gravy over the eggs to coat them well.3.Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes so the eggs absorb the flavors.TIPDon't stir too vigorously once the eggs are in — they can break apart. - garnish
Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped coriander leaves on top, and let the curry rest for 2 minutes before serving.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Prick the boiled eggs with a fork before adding them to the gravy; this allows the spices to seep into the eggs, making every bite flavorful.
- 2Toast the grated fresh coconut until you see specks of deep golden brown; this is what gives the Malvani masala its signature nutty aroma.
- 3If you don't have fresh coconut, substitute with unsweetened desiccated coconut—but rehydrate it in a little warm water before roasting so it doesn't burn.
- 4Let the ground masala paste cook in the oil until it releases from the sides of the pan; this step removes any raw taste and builds a thick, velvety gravy.
- 5For a more intense smoky flavor, you can briefly char one onion half on a gas flame before chopping and adding it to the sauté pan.
- 6To make peeling hard-boiled eggs easier, use eggs that are at least a week old and plunge them into an ice bath immediately after boiling.
- 7Taste the gravy for salt and sourness before adding the eggs; tamarind levels can vary, so adjust with a tiny pinch of sugar if it's too sharp.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Reduce oil to 1 tablespoon and use a non-stick pan. Dry roast the onions instead of sautéing in oil, and skip the step where you cook the masala until oil separates — just simmer the gravy a few minutes longer to thicken.
high proteinHigh-protein
Swap 2 of the eggs for 200 g of paneer cubes (lightly pan-fried until golden) or 200 g of firm tofu for a vegetarian high-protein twist that still takes to the Malvani gravy beautifully.
jainJain
Replace onions and garlic with an equal volume of finely chopped fennel bulb (or fresh bamboo shoots) and use asafoetida (hing) while tempering. Omit the ginger-garlic paste entirely; the roasted spices and coconut will still deliver a complex gravy.
veganVegan
Substitute the boiled eggs with boiled, halved baby potatoes (or steamed cauliflower florets) and use 1 tablespoon of cashew paste instead of ginger-garlic paste for creaminess. Everything else remains the same — a delicious vegan Malvani curry.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidant Spices
The blend of cloves, cinnamon, star anise, peppercorns, and turmeric provides a powerful mix of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can support overall wellness.
Good Source of Healthy Fats
Fresh grated coconut and the natural oils from the spices deliver medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and other healthy fats that aid in nutrient absorption and provide sustained energy.
Eggs for High-Quality Protein
Each hard-boiled egg provides about 6 grams of complete protein, making this curry a satisfying meal that supports muscle repair and satiety.
Supports Digestion
Cumin, coriander, and tamarind are known in Ayurveda for their digestive properties; they help stimulate enzyme secretion and reduce bloating after a hearty meal.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, use unsweetened desiccated coconut. Soak it in a little hot water for 10 minutes before roasting so it doesn't burn and mimics fresh coconut's texture.
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