Masala Half Fry
A delicious Indian street food classic where sunny-side-up eggs are cooked over a spicy onion-tomato masala. The runny yolk mixing with the spices makes this an irresistible breakfast or quick meal, best served with buttered toast.
For 2 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat oil in a wide, non-stick pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for about 30 seconds.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- d.Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilli. Sauté for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Masala Base
- b.Add the finely chopped tomato to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
- c.Add the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix everything well.
- d.Cook the spices for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the oil begins to separate from the masala. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a splash of water.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Eggs
- b.Spread the prepared masala evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- c.Using the back of a spoon, create four small wells in the masala base.
- d.Carefully crack one egg into each well, being careful not to break the yolks.
- e.Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt and black pepper over each egg if desired.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Steam, Garnish, and Serve
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let the eggs cook for 2-4 minutes.
- c.Cook until the egg whites are fully set and opaque, but the yolks are still runny and jiggly. Avoid overcooking to keep the yolks liquid.
- d.Turn off the heat, garnish generously with fresh coriander leaves, and serve immediately with buttered toast or pav.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a wide, non-stick pan to ensure the eggs have enough space and don't stick.
- 2Finely chopping the onions and tomatoes is key to a smooth, quick-cooking masala base.
- 3The magic is in the runny yolk. Cook on low heat with a lid to steam the tops of the eggs perfectly without overcooking the bottom.
- 4For a richer, restaurant-style flavor, add a small knob of butter to the pan with the oil.
- 5Don't overcrowd the pan. If making a larger batch, use a bigger pan or cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Masala Fry
Sprinkle grated cheddar or Amul cheese over the eggs in the last minute of cooking and cover until melted for a gooey, delicious twist.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of green chillies or add a pinch of a hotter red chilli powder along with the Kashmiri variety for an extra kick.
Vegetable LoadedVegetable-Loaded
Sauté finely chopped bell peppers (capsicum) or green peas with the onions for added texture, color, and nutrition.
Pav Bhaji FlavorPav Bhaji Flavor
Substitute garam masala with 1/2 teaspoon of pav bhaji masala for a different but equally delicious Mumbai street food flavor profile.
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 building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
This dish provides key nutrients like Vitamin D and B12 from eggs, and antioxidants like lycopene from cooked tomatoes, which support immune health and fight cellular damage.
Boosts Satiety
The combination of protein from eggs and fiber from the vegetables helps you feel full and satisfied for longer, which can aid in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.
Frequently asked questions
Masala Half Fry can be a healthy dish. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. The masala base is made from vegetables like onions and tomatoes. To make it healthier, use minimal oil and pair it with whole-wheat toast instead of white bread.