Sri Lankan Style Fried Egg Curry Recipe
Sri Lankan cuisine is renowned for its bold and aromatic flavors, and this Sri Lankan Style Fried Egg Curry is a perfect example of that vibrant, spiced culinary tradition. A simple yet hearty dish, this recipe combines the richness of coconut milk, the sharpness of curry leaves, and a mix of warming spices to create a flavorful curry that’s perfect to serve with steamed rice or flatbreads like Ceylon Paratha. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this delightful dish at home.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Eggs (boiled) | 4 |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Onion (sliced) | 2 |
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 2 |
| Ginger (chopped) | 1 inch |
| Garlic (chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Cinnamon Stick | 1 inch |
| Cloves | 3 |
| Cardamom Pods/Seeds | 1 |
| Red Chilli Flakes | 2 teaspoons |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coconut Milk | 1 cup |
| Salt to taste | As needed |
Preparation Time
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time
- 30 minutes
Total Time
- 40 minutes
Servings
- 4 servings
Instructions
1. Boil the Eggs
Start by preparing the boiled eggs. Heat a saucepan and add enough water to fully submerge the eggs. Bring the water to a boil and let the eggs cook for about 10 to 15 minutes until you notice cracks on the shells. This indicates that they are cooked. Turn off the stove and remove the eggs from the water, allowing them to cool down. Once cooled, peel the shells off and set the eggs aside.
2. Fry the Eggs
In a flat skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently add the peeled boiled eggs and fry them until they are golden brown on all sides. This process should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Once fried, remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Curry Base
In the same skillet, add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Let them sizzle for a few seconds to release their aromatic oils. Then, add the curry leaves and allow them to crackle for another 30 seconds.
Next, add the chopped ginger and garlic to the skillet. Sauté these for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add Onions and Tomatoes
Once the ginger and garlic are fragrant, add the sliced onions to the pan. Sauté the onions until they soften and turn golden brown, which will take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once the onions are caramelized, add the chopped tomatoes. Sprinkle a little salt over the tomatoes to help them cook faster. Let them soften and turn mushy, which should take around 5 minutes.
5. Add the Spices
Now, it’s time to introduce the spice powders. Add the coriander powder, garam masala powder, red chilli flakes, fennel seeds, and salt to taste. Stir well to combine all the spices, and let the mixture cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spices become fragrant and the tomato-onion mixture is fully cooked.
6. Add Coconut Milk
Pour in the coconut milk, stirring it into the curry base to create a smooth, rich gravy. At this point, you can add half a cup of water if you prefer a thinner curry. Let the curry simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
7. Add the Fried Eggs
Finally, gently drop the fried eggs into the curry, making sure they are well coated with the sauce. Let them simmer in the curry for 3 to 4 minutes so they absorb the flavors of the gravy.
8. Garnish and Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for an added layer of flavor and freshness. Serve the Sri Lankan Style Fried Egg Curry hot with steamed rice, Ceylon Parotha, or Malabar Parotta for a truly satisfying meal.
Tips for a Perfect Sri Lankan Style Fried Egg Curry
- Frying the Eggs: Frying the eggs before adding them to the curry gives them a lovely golden brown crust, which adds texture and flavor to the dish. Make sure the oil is hot enough to get that perfect fry.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the quantity of spices according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier curry, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add fresh green chilies.
- Consistency: The consistency of the gravy is entirely up to you. For a thicker sauce, use less water or coconut milk; for a thinner curry, add more water as needed.
- Garnish: Adding a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves just before serving brightens up the curry and enhances its flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Sri Lankan Style Fried Egg Curry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or Ceylon Parotha, a type of soft, flaky flatbread that perfectly complements the rich, aromatic curry. Alternatively, serve it with Malabar Parotta, a crispy flatbread that adds crunch and texture. You can also serve it with a side of Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber Raita for a cooling contrast to the heat of the curry.
This dish is perfect for a weekend lunch, especially on a lazy Sunday when you’re in the mood for something comforting yet full of flavor. The combination of crispy eggs, creamy coconut milk, and aromatic spices makes it a truly indulgent meal.
Conclusion
Sri Lankan cuisine is a treasure trove of vibrant and flavorful dishes, and this Sri Lankan Style Fried Egg Curry is a great way to experience those bold, authentic flavors. With its hearty ingredients, fragrant spices, and creamy coconut milk, this curry is a delightful meal that will impress anyone at your table. Whether you’re a fan of egg curries or new to Sri Lankan food, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Enjoy your Sri Lankan feast!
