Surti Keema Ghotala
A legendary street-food dish from Surat, Gujarat that brings together spicy minced chicken, fluffy scrambled eggs, and a rich, buttery tomato masala. Everything is mixed and mashed on a sizzling griddle to create a 'ghotala' — a deliciously messy, comforting scramble packed with bold, smoky flavors. It is served piping hot with soft pav buns for a truly unforgettable meal.
For 4 servings
- prep
Scramble the eggs and prep the masala.
1.Crack 4 eggs into a bowl, add 1 pinch of salt, and whisk well.2.Finely chop 3 onions, 3 tomatoes, and slit 3 green chilies. Keep ready. - temper · ~5 min
Sauté onions and temper with cumin.
1.Heat 1 tsp oil and 1 tbsp butter in a flat griddle over medium heat.2.Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and let them crackle for 30 seconds.3.Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent (about 4 to 5 minutes). - saute · ~10 min
Cook the chicken mince with the masala.
1.Add 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute until the raw smell disappears.2.Stir in the 300 g chicken mince and break it apart continuously with a spatula for 3 to 4 minutes.3.Add chopped tomatoes, 1 pinch turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 pinch cumin powder, and 0.5 tsp salt. Mix well.4.Cook the masala until the tomatoes soften completely and the mince is fully cooked, about 7 to 8 minutes. The mixture should look glossy.TIPKeep breaking the mince while cooking to ensure no lumps remain. You want a granular, crumbly texture. - saute · ~3 min
Scramble the eggs into the mince.
1.Push the cooked mince masala to one side of the griddle. Add the remaining 2 tbsp butter to the empty side.2.Pour the whisked eggs onto the butter and let them set for 20 seconds.3.Immediately start scrambling the eggs and mash them together with the chicken mince masala for 2 minutes until everything is well combined.TIPThe key to Ghotala is the mashing. Vigorously press and mix with the spatula to make the dish 'ghotala' (messy). - simmer · ~1 min
Finish with aromatic spices.
1.Sprinkle 1 pinch of garam masala and 1 tsp crushed kasuri methi over the mixture.2.Drizzle 1 tbsp lemon juice and mix everything together one last time on the heat for 1 minute. - garnish
Garnish and serve sizzling hot.
1.Garnish generously with 3 tbsp chopped coriander leaves.2.Serve immediately on a sizzling hot plate with toasted pav buns on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a heavy flat griddle or tawa to get even heat and a slight char on the mince.
- 2After cooking the mince, push it aside and scramble the eggs in butter separately for fluffiness.
- 3Don't skip the kasuri methi — crush it between your palms to release its smoky aroma.
- 4For the iconic 'ghotala' texture, press and mash the mince-egg mix vigorously with the spatula.
- 5Toast the pav buns in the same pan with leftover butter for extra flavor.
- 6Let the tomatoes cook until fully broken down and the oil separates for a rich masala base.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace chicken mince with 300 g of grated paneer or crumbled soya granules (soaked and squeezed dry). Cook the same way — the texture mimics keema perfectly for a meat-free version.
extra spicyExtra-spicy
For heat lovers, add 2 finely chopped green chilies along with the ginger-garlic paste and use 1.5 tsp red chili powder. A pinch of cayenne in the final mix amps the fire.
cheesy ghotalaCheesy ghotala
After scrambling the eggs, sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated mozzarella or cheddar over the top and let it melt for 30 seconds before mashing. This gives a stretchy, indulgent twist.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce butter to 1 tbsp total and use a non-stick pan. Cook the onions and mince in a splash of water or broth instead of oil — the taste remains bold but much lighter.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
Chicken mince and eggs provide a substantial amount of complete protein, which supports muscle repair and keeps you full longer.
Rich in Iron from Greens
Coriander leaves (cilantro) and kasuri methi add small amounts of plant-based iron, aiding oxygen transport in the blood.
Contains Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder bring anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits — typical of Indian spicing.
Boosts Metabolism
Green chilies and ginger-garlic paste contain compounds that may temporarily increase metabolic rate and improve circulation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Lamb or beef mince work beautifully — just cook them a few minutes longer until fully done and drain excess fat if needed.
