Tameta ma Eeda nu Shaak
A beloved Gujarati comfort food where eggs are gently poached in a tangy, sweet, and mildly spiced tomato gravy. This quick and easy one-pan curry is perfect for a weeknight dinner, best enjoyed with soft rotis or bhakri.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Vaghar) and Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter completely, which takes about 30-45 seconds.
- d.Add the cumin seeds and asafoetida. Sauté for another 15-20 seconds until the cumin seeds sizzle and become fragrant.
- e.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Build the Tomato Gravy
- b.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for about 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- c.Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and dhana jiru (coriander-cumin powder). Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- d.Immediately add the chopped tomatoes (or puree). Mix well and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down completely and oil begins to separate from the masala.
- e.Pour in 1 cup of water, add salt and sugar. Stir everything together and bring the gravy to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Poach the Eggs
- b.Reduce the heat to low to ensure the gravy is barely simmering.
- c.Using the back of a spoon, create 8 small indentations or 'wells' in the gravy, spaced apart.
- d.Carefully crack one egg into a small bowl first, then gently slide it into one of the wells. Repeat for all 8 eggs. This prevents shell fragments and broken yolks.
- e.Do not stir the curry from this point onwards.
- f.Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let the eggs poach undisturbed on low heat. For runny yolks, cook for 7-8 minutes. For jammy, soft-set yolks, cook for 9-10 minutes. For fully firm yolks, cook for 11-12 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, turn off the heat.
- c.Sprinkle the garam masala and freshly chopped coriander leaves over the top.
- d.Keep the pan covered and let the curry rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- e.To serve, carefully spoon out one or two eggs along with a generous amount of the surrounding tomato gravy. Serve immediately with hot rotis, bhakri, or steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use ripe, red tomatoes which provide a natural sweetness and tang.
- 2Using room temperature eggs helps them cook more evenly and reduces the chance of them cooling down the gravy too much.
- 3The characteristic sweet and tangy taste of Gujarati cuisine is key here. Do not skip the sugar or jaggery as it perfectly balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 4To prevent breaking the yolks, crack each egg into a small bowl before gently sliding it into the gravy.
- 5For a smoother gravy, you can use tomato puree instead of chopped tomatoes. The cooking time for the gravy base might be slightly shorter.
- 6This dish is best enjoyed fresh. While leftovers can be stored, the texture of the poached eggs may become rubbery upon reheating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Increase the amount of red chili powder to 1.5 tsp or add more slit green chilies along with the onions.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
For a richer, less acidic gravy, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or cashew paste into the tomato gravy before adding the eggs.
With VegetablesWith Vegetables
Add 1/2 cup of green peas or finely chopped bell peppers along with the tomatoes to add extra texture and nutrition.
Scrambled Version (Eeda Bhurji)Scrambled Version (Eeda Bhurji)
Instead of poaching, gently stir the eggs into the gravy as they cook to create a delicious scrambled egg curry.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in High-Quality Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle health, and maintaining overall body function.
Excellent Source of Antioxidants
Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and supports heart health. Cooking tomatoes enhances the body's ability to absorb lycopene.
Aids in Digestion
The spices used in this curry, such as cumin, turmeric, and asafoetida, are known for their digestive properties. They can help stimulate digestive enzymes and promote good gut health.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving, which includes two eggs and about a cup of gravy, contains approximately 320-360 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the amount of oil used and the size of the eggs.