Aromatic Spiced Egg and Lentil Curry
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Aromatic Spiced Egg and Lentil Curry. This dish is infused with the bold flavors of freshly ground spices and aromatic herbs. Hard-boiled eggs and tender lentils are enveloped in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. It's a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion, bringing a taste of Asia right to your dining table.
4
Servings
300
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spanish onion
1 (chopped)
Fresh ginger
2 tablespoons (grated)
Garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
Light oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Curry powder
2 tablespoons (good-quality)
Ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Cinnamon stick
1 (none)
Fresh curry leaves
10 (none)
Diced tomatoes
425g (canned)
Hard-boiled eggs
8 (shelled and halved)
Red lentils
1/3 cup (rinsed)
Peas
1 cup (frozen or fresh)
Fresh coriander
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Cooked rice
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
1. Prepare the spice paste: In a food processor, blend the chopped Spanish onion, grated fresh ginger, and crushed garlic cloves until a smooth paste is formed.
2
2. Heat the oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of light oil in a heavy-based saucepan over low heat. Add the prepared paste and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3
3. Toast the spices: Stir in 2 tablespoons of good-quality curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric, a cinnamon stick, and 10 fresh curry leaves. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the spices to release their aromas.
4
4. Simmer the sauce: Pour in the 425g of diced tomatoes along with 500ml (2 cups) of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
5. Prepare the eggs: While the sauce simmers, shell the 8 hard-boiled eggs and slice each in half.
6
6. Combine ingredients: Add the halved eggs, 1/3 cup of red lentils, and 1 cup of peas (frozen or fresh) to the saucepan. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually stir in an additional 125ml (1/2 cup) of water.
7
7. Cook until lentils are tender: Adjust the heat to low and continue cooking for another 15 minutes or until the lentils become soft and the flavors meld together.
8
8. Final touch: Just before serving, stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped coriander for an additional burst of flavor.
9
9. Serve: Dish up the curry with a side of steaming cooked rice to complement the rich, spicy flavors.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
30g
Carbs
15g
Protein
5.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aromatic Spiced Egg and Lentil Curry?
It is a hearty and satisfying Asian-inspired vegetarian dish featuring hard-boiled eggs and red lentils in a rich, spiced tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the primary protein sources in this curry?
The main protein sources are 8 hard-boiled eggs and 1/3 cup of red lentils, providing 15g of protein per serving.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses eggs, lentils, and vegetables without any meat products.
How many calories are in one serving of this curry?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What ingredients are needed for the spice paste?
The paste is made by blending one Spanish onion, two tablespoons of grated fresh ginger, and two crushed garlic cloves until smooth.
What dry spices are used to flavor the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric, and one cinnamon stick.
Are curry leaves required for this recipe?
The recipe uses 10 fresh curry leaves to add an authentic aromatic flavor to the dish.
How much oil is needed for cooking the base?
You need 2 tablespoons of light oil to sauté the spice paste and toast the aromatic spices.
What type of tomatoes should be used?
The recipe specifies 425g of diced tomatoes, which are usually canned for convenience.
How much water is added during the simmering process?
Initially, 500ml (2 cups) of water is added, with an optional 125ml (1/2 cup) more if the curry becomes too thick.
How should the eggs be prepared before adding them?
The 8 eggs should be hard-boiled, shelled, and sliced in half before being combined with the sauce.
Can I use frozen peas in this curry?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of either frozen or fresh peas.
How long do the red lentils need to cook?
After being added to the sauce, the lentils should simmer on low heat for approximately 15 minutes or until they are soft.
When should I add the fresh coriander?
Two tablespoons of freshly chopped coriander should be stirred in just before serving for a final burst of flavor.
What is the best side dish for this egg curry?
This curry is best served with steaming cooked rice to complement the rich and spicy flavors.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving of this curry contains 15g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this dish provide dietary fiber?
Yes, this recipe provides 5.5g of fiber per serving, primarily from the lentils and peas.
How do I prepare the ginger for the paste?
The ginger should be peeled and grated to measure 2 tablespoons before being blended into the paste.
What type of onion is recommended for the base?
The recipe recommends using one chopped Spanish onion.
How long do I toast the dry spices?
Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cinnamon, and curry leaves and cook for about one minute to release their aromas.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to prepare a spice paste by blending the onion, ginger, and garlic.
How long does the tomato sauce simmer initially?
The tomato and water mixture should simmer for 15 minutes before the eggs and lentils are added.
What type of lentils are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses 1/3 cup of red lentils, which are rinsed before cooking.
Can I adjust the consistency of the curry?
Yes, if the mixture seems too thick, you can gradually stir in an additional 125ml of water during the final cooking stage.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 crushed garlic cloves for the aromatic spice paste.
Does this recipe include sugar or sodium information?
The provided nutritional data does not list specific values for sugar or sodium.
Is the cinnamon stick left in the dish?
The cinnamon stick is added during the spice-toasting phase and simmers with the sauce to provide flavor; it is usually removed before eating.