Udupi Egg Omelette
A fluffy, savory egg omelette with a South Indian twist. Featuring a classic Udupi-style tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and fresh coconut, this aromatic dish is a perfect protein-packed breakfast or light meal.
For 2 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Egg Base
- b.In a medium-sized bowl, crack the 4 eggs. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until they are light, pale, and frothy. This step is key to a fluffy omelette.
- c.To the whisked eggs, add the grated coconut, chopped coriander leaves, rice flour, turmeric powder, and salt.
- d.Whisk again until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Set the bowl aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.Heat the coconut oil in a small pan or tadka pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- c.Add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter completely, which should take about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the urad dal and sauté for about 1 minute until it turns a light golden brown. Be careful not to burn it.
- e.Toss in the curry leaves (be cautious as they may splutter) and the hing. Sauté for another 15 seconds until aromatic.
- f.Add the finely chopped onion, green chilies, and grated ginger. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- g.Remove the pan from the heat and let the tempering cool for 2-3 minutes. It should be warm, not hot.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Cook the Omelette
- b.Pour the slightly cooled tempering mixture, including the oil, into the bowl with the egg base. Mix everything together well.
- c.Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat. No extra oil is needed as it's already in the mixture.
- d.Once the pan is hot, pour half of the egg mixture onto it. Gently swirl the pan to spread the mixture into an even circle.
- e.Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the edges are set and the bottom is golden. The top should be mostly cooked but still slightly wet.
- f.Carefully flip the omelette using a wide spatula. Cook on the other side for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked and golden.
- g.Slide the finished omelette onto a plate.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Repeat the cooking process with the remaining egg mixture to make the second omelette.
- c.Serve the Udupi Egg Omelettes immediately while hot and fluffy, with a side of toast, pav (bread rolls), or your favorite chutney.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an extra fluffy omelette, separate the egg whites and yolks. Whisk the whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold in the whisked yolks and other ingredients.
- 2Ensure the tempering has cooled down before adding it to the eggs. Adding a hot mixture will cause the eggs to scramble prematurely.
- 3Using a non-stick pan is highly recommended for easy flipping and to prevent the omelette from sticking.
- 4For authentic flavor, use coconut oil for the tempering. It complements the fresh coconut in the omelette beautifully.
- 5Do not overcook the omelette, as it can become dry and rubbery. It's ready when it's just set and golden.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable-Loaded
Add 2-3 tablespoons of finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers (capsicum), carrots, or tomatoes to the tempering along with the onions.
Cheesy DelightCheesy Delight
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the omelette just before flipping it.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
Increase the number of green chilies or add 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder to the egg mixture for extra heat.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
Replace the eggs with a batter made from besan (gram flour) and water to create a 'Besan Chilla' with the same Udupi-style tempering.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs provide high-quality complete protein, which is crucial for muscle building, tissue repair, and keeping you full and satisfied for longer.
Rich in Anti-Inflammatory Spices
The inclusion of turmeric (containing curcumin) and ginger provides powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, supporting overall health.
Boosts Energy
The combination of protein from eggs and healthy medium-chain fatty acids from coconut oil provides a sustained release of energy, making it an ideal breakfast to start your day.
Good for Gut Health
Spices like hing (asafoetida) and curry leaves are traditionally used in Indian cooking to aid digestion and promote a healthy gut.
Frequently asked questions
One Udupi Egg Omelette (half of this recipe) contains approximately 290-320 calories, depending on the size of the eggs and the amount of oil used.