Egg Curry with Tomato and Onion Masala
Why this recipe works
- Layered masala base: Softened onion, ginger, garlic, cumin and turmeric give the tomato gravy depth before the eggs are added.
- Straightforward method: The recipe uses simple boiling, sautéing and simmering, with clear visual cues for when the masala has thickened.
- Easy to serve: Basmati rice keeps the meal complete, but the curry also works well with flatbreads or other plain cooked grains.
Get the most out of this recipe
Adjust the heat
- For a gentler curry: Use less green chilli or remove the seeds before chopping. The cumin, ginger and garlic will still give the masala plenty of warmth.
- For more heat: Keep the chilli seeds in, use an extra green chilli, or swap in chilli flakes for a sharper warmth.
- Keep the heat rounded: Cook the chilli with the onion, ginger and garlic rather than adding it at the end, so its heat softens into the gravy.
Common mistakes
- Do not over-simmer the eggs: The eggs are already cooked, so they only need a short simmer in the sauce to heat through and absorb flavour.
- Watch the ground spices: Cumin and turmeric only need brief cooking before the tomatoes go in; if they catch, the gravy can taste bitter.
- Avoid a watery masala: Let the tomatoes break down and the sauce thicken before adding the eggs, so the gravy coats rather than pools.
Make-ahead tips
- Store rice and curry separately: Keeping the rice separate prevents it from absorbing too much sauce and makes reheating more even.
- Reheat gently: Warm the curry in a saucepan with a splash of water until piping hot, turning the eggs carefully so they stay intact.
- Useful for planned meals: The curry can be refrigerated for a few days, making it a practical option for quick lunches or dinners.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put 6 eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Drain, cool under cold running water, then peel. Lightly score each egg in 2 to 3 places so the masala can cling.
- Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs mostly clear. Cook it in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender, 10 to 12 minutes, then drain and cover to keep warm.
- Meanwhile, finely chop the onion, chilli, ginger and garlic, and dice the tomatoes. Heat the sunflower oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add the onion with a pinch of salt, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Stir in the chilli, ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground cumin and ground turmeric and cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, 300 ml water and 1 tsp fine sea salt, then simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the gravy thickens. If it looks dry, add a splash more water.
- Add the peeled eggs to the sauce and gently turn to coat. Simmer for 5 minutes so the eggs warm through and the flavours meld. Taste and adjust with a little more salt if needed.
- Roughly chop the fresh coriander and stir most of it through the curry. Serve with the steamed basmati rice and scatter over the remaining coriander.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For a smoother gravy, crush the tomatoes against the side of the pan with a wooden spoon as they simmer, then cook until the oil begins to separate at the edges.
- If you prefer a richer finish, simmer the masala a couple of minutes longer before adding the eggs so it thickens and clings to them.
- If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, ensure the eggs are fully hard-boiled and the curry is reheated until piping hot.
Substitutions
- Replace the sunflower oil with olive oil for a slightly fruitier base.
- Replace the green chili pepper with 0.5 tsp chili flakes for similar warmth.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool, then refrigerate the curry in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of water until piping hot; store the rice separately and reheat with a tablespoon of water, covered, until hot.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 3 servings
- Total time: 40min (30min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Indian
-
Allergens:
Eggs
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