This delightful egg curry recipe is a unique twist on the traditional dish, using chickpea flour to create flavorful mini pancakes that mimic the texture of eggs. The rich, spiced tomato gravy perfectly complements the chickpea pancakes, making it a satisfying and hearty meal. Perfect for those looking for a plant-based alternative to classic egg curry.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every household. Chickpea flour, also known as gram flour or besan, is a staple in Indian cooking but might require a trip to a specialty store. Black salt (kala namak) has a distinct sulfurous flavor that mimics the taste of eggs and can be found in Indian grocery stores. Garam masala is a blend of ground spices used extensively in Indian cuisine, and it can be found in the spice aisle of most supermarkets.
Ingredients For Egg Curry Recipe
Chickpea flour: A gluten-free flour made from ground chickpeas, used to create the mini pancakes in this recipe.
Turmeric powder: A bright yellow spice with a warm, bitter taste, commonly used in Indian cuisine for its color and flavor.
Black salt: Also known as kala namak, this salt has a distinct sulfurous flavor that mimics the taste of eggs.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the chickpea pancakes rise and become fluffy.
Water: Used to create the batter for the chickpea pancakes.
Oil: Used for cooking the chickpea pancakes and sautéing the onions and spices.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the curry base.
Tomatoes: Pureed to create a rich and tangy base for the curry.
Ginger-garlic paste: A blend of ginger and garlic, providing a pungent and aromatic base for the curry.
Cumin seeds: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the curry.
Coriander powder: A spice made from ground coriander seeds, adding a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor.
Garam masala: A blend of ground spices used extensively in Indian cuisine, adding warmth and complexity to the curry.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When making the chickpea flour batter, ensure it is smooth and lump-free by whisking it thoroughly. This will help in achieving evenly cooked mini pancakes with a consistent texture. Additionally, when sautéing the onions, make sure they are finely chopped and cooked until they are a deep golden brown. This caramelization process enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor in the curry.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Eggs - Substitute with chickpea flour: Chickpea flour mixed with water and spices can create a texture similar to scrambled eggs, making it a great vegan substitute.
Ghee - Substitute with oil: Oil, such as vegetable or coconut oil, can be used instead of ghee to keep the recipe vegan while still providing the necessary fat for cooking.
Yogurt - Substitute with coconut yogurt: Coconut yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to dairy yogurt, making it a suitable vegan alternative.
Cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream offers a rich and creamy consistency similar to dairy cream, perfect for vegan recipes.
Honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup is a plant-based sweetener that can replace honey in vegan recipes, providing a similar sweetness and consistency.
Paneer - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can mimic the texture of paneer and absorbs flavors well, making it an excellent vegan substitute in curries and other dishes.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
Allow the egg curry to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the curry watery and affect its texture.
Transfer the cooled egg curry into an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry to maintain the freshness of the curry.
For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The egg curry can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
For long-term storage, consider freezing the egg curry. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
When freezing, portion the egg curry into individual servings. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need, reducing waste and maintaining the quality of the curry.
To thaw frozen egg curry, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This gradual thawing helps retain the texture and flavor of the curry.
Reheat the egg curry on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir halfway through to avoid cold spots.
If the curry appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to achieve the desired consistency. Stir well to incorporate the liquid.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation of the reheated egg curry.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method: Place the egg curry in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain the texture of the chickpea pancakes.
Microwave Method: Transfer the egg curry to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If needed, add a bit of water to keep the curry moist. Let it sit for a minute before serving.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the egg curry in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method is great for reheating larger portions and ensures even heating.
Steaming Method: Place the egg curry in a heatproof bowl and set it in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This gentle method helps retain the moisture and flavor of the curry.
Slow Cooker Method: Transfer the egg curry to a slow cooker. Set it on low heat and let it warm up for 1-2 hours. This method is ideal if you have time and want to keep the curry warm for a longer period without overcooking it.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the chickpea flour, turmeric, black salt, baking powder, and water into a smooth batter.
Whisk: Essential for mixing the batter to ensure there are no lumps.
Non-stick pan: Perfect for cooking the chickpea pancakes without them sticking to the surface.
Spatula: Handy for flipping the chickpea pancakes to cook them evenly on both sides.
Measuring cups: Accurate measurements of ingredients like chickpea flour and water are crucial for the right consistency.
Measuring spoons: Use these to measure out smaller quantities of ingredients like turmeric, black salt, and baking powder.
Knife: Necessary for finely chopping the onion.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping the onion.
Blender: Use this to puree the tomatoes smoothly.
Garlic press: Convenient for making ginger-garlic paste if you don't have it pre-made.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the curry as it cooks to prevent sticking and burning.
Serving spoon: Useful for serving the finished egg curry.
Serving dish: Present the final dish in this for a beautiful presentation.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro for garnishing the dish before serving.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop onions, puree tomatoes, and measure out spices ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use a blender: Blend chickpea flour batter to ensure a smooth consistency quickly.
Cook pancakes simultaneously: Use a large non-stick pan to cook multiple chickpea pancakes at once.
Preheat the pan: Ensure the pan is hot before adding the batter to speed up cooking.
Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze extra chickpea pancakes for future use.
Simplify garnishing: Pre-chop cilantro and store it in the fridge for quick access.
Egg Curry Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon black salt (kala namak)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Mix chickpea flour, turmeric, black salt, baking powder, and water to make a smooth batter.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a non-stick pan. Pour a small amount of batter to form mini pancakes. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Set aside.
- In the same pan, heat remaining oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
- Add pureed tomatoes, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook until oil separates.
- Add the chickpea pancakes to the curry and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Keywords
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