Poached Eggs in Tomato Gravy
Tender eggs gently poached in a rich, spiced tomato and onion gravy. This quick and comforting North Indian curry is perfect for a weeknight dinner, best enjoyed with warm rotis or crusty bread.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Masala Base
- b.Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and turn a light golden brown.
- d.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Tomato Gravy
- b.Add the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for 30-40 seconds on low heat until the spices are aromatic.
- c.Pour in the tomato puree and add the salt. Mix everything well.
- d.Cook the masala, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes. Continue until the mixture thickens, darkens in color, and you see oil separating from the sides of the pan.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer and Season
- b.Pour in 1 cup of warm water and stir to combine, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.
- c.Stir in the garam masala and crushed kasuri methi. Let the gravy simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Poach the Eggs
- b.Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Using the back of a spoon, create 8 small indentations or 'wells' in the simmering gravy.
- c.Crack one egg into a small bowl first, then gently slide it into one of the wells. Repeat for all 8 eggs, spacing them out.
- d.Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let the eggs poach for 5-7 minutes for runny yolks, or 8-10 minutes for jammy or firm yolks. Do not stir the curry during this time.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Once the egg whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your liking, turn off the heat.
- c.Garnish generously with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Let it rest for a minute, then carefully spoon out each serving with an egg and plenty of gravy. Serve immediately with hot roti, naan, or steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For perfectly poached eggs, crack each egg into a small bowl first before sliding it into the gravy. This prevents shells from getting into the curry and helps keep the yolk intact.
- 2Keep the heat on low while poaching the eggs to ensure they cook gently and the gravy doesn't burn at the bottom.
- 3If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a splash of warm water to reach your desired consistency before adding the eggs.
- 4For a richer flavor, use ghee instead of oil and add a tablespoon of heavy cream or cashew paste at the end.
- 5A pinch of sugar can be added with the tomato puree to balance any tartness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamier Gravy
For a richer, restaurant-style curry, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or full-fat yogurt (whisked well) into the gravy just before poaching the eggs.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Make it more wholesome by adding 1/2 cup of green peas or par-boiled diced potatoes to the gravy and simmering for a few minutes before adding the eggs.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies or add 1/4 teaspoon of red chili flakes along with the other powdered spices for an extra kick.
Shahi Anda CurryShahi Anda Curry
Add a paste of 10 soaked and ground cashews along with the tomato puree and a pinch of saffron for a royal, Mughlai-style flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, immune function, and maintaining healthy tissues.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, supports heart health, and may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
Immunity-Boosting Spices
The blend of Indian spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help strengthen the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving (2 eggs with gravy) contains approximately 290-320 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the type of oil and specific ingredients used.