Spiced Curried Egg Salad on a Bed of Spinach
Indulge in a unique twist on a classic favorite with this Spiced Curried Egg Salad on a Bed of Spinach. Inspired by Monica Bhide's endeavors to cater to diverse dietary preferences, this dish beautifully balances flavors and textures, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. With caramelized onions adding depth, creamy mayonnaise blended with vibrant spices, and fresh vegetables for crunch, each bite offers a delightful contrast. It’s not just a salad; it’s a vibrant celebration on your plate that will leave your guests asking for seconds! Paired with fresh spinach leaves, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying, ensuring that you can accommodate various tastes while enjoying a modern, Indian-inspired meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (For cooking)
Large onions
1 1/2 (Thinly sliced)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste
Sugar
3/4 teaspoon
Fresh ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon
Hard-cooked eggs
8 (Peeled)
Red onion
1/3 cup (Diced (optional))
Red bell peppers
3/4 medium (Seeded and finely diced (you can also use orange bell pepper))
Mayonnaise
1 cup
Minced cilantro or flat-leaf parsley
3 tablespoons
Green serrano chili
1 small (Seeded and minced)
Hot Madras curry powder
1-2 teaspoons (Adjust to taste)
Prepared mustard
2 teaspoons
Spinach leaves
4 cups (Loosely packed)
Instructions
1
Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
2
Add the thinly sliced large onions and the 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the onions become translucent.
3
Stir in the sugar and freshly ground black pepper, continuing to cook until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes more. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4
Once cooked, remove half of the caramelized onions from the skillet and set them aside to cool.
5
In a large mixing bowl, mash the 8 hard-cooked eggs with a fork until they reach a chunky consistency.
6
Add the reserved half of the caramelized onions, diced red and orange bell peppers, and optionally the diced red onion. Mix well to combine.
7
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced cilantro or parsley, seeded and minced green serrano chili, hot Madras curry powder, and additional salt to taste until well blended.
8
Stir in the mustard and mix until the dressing is smooth and uniform.
9
Pour the dressing over the egg mixture and gently combine until all ingredients are evenly coated.
10
Divide the fresh spinach leaves among 8 plates to create a bed, then spoon the curried egg salad generously on top.
11
Finish by garnishing each serving with a portion of the reserved caramelized onions, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Curried Egg Salad on a Bed of Spinach?
It is a modern, Indian-inspired dish that combines hard-cooked eggs, caramelized onions, vibrant spices, and fresh vegetables served over a bed of spinach.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Monica Bhide's efforts to create dishes that cater to diverse dietary preferences.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 hard-cooked eggs.
What type of oil is used for cooking the onions?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
The onions are sautéed for 3 to 5 minutes until translucent, then cooked for an additional 10 to 15 minutes with sugar and pepper until golden brown.
What gives the onions their sweet and deep flavor?
Thinly slicing the onions and cooking them with 3/4 teaspoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until caramelized provides depth and sweetness.
Can I substitute the red bell pepper?
Yes, the recipe notes that you can use orange bell pepper instead of red bell pepper.
What kind of curry powder should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1-2 teaspoons of hot Madras curry powder, adjusted to your taste preference.
Is there an optional ingredient in this salad?
Yes, 1/3 cup of diced red onion is an optional ingredient for added crunch.
What herbs are recommended for the dressing?
You can use 3 tablespoons of either minced cilantro or flat-leaf parsley.
How should the eggs be mashed?
The eggs should be mashed with a fork until they reach a chunky consistency.
What type of chili is included for heat?
One small green serrano chili, seeded and minced, is used to add spice.
What is the base of the salad dressing?
The dressing is made from a base of 1 cup of mayonnaise mixed with herbs, chili, curry powder, and mustard.
How much spinach is needed?
The recipe requires 4 cups of loosely packed spinach leaves.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to be divided among 8 plates.
What is the recommended garnish?
Each serving should be finished with a portion of the reserved caramelized onions.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, the instructions state to serve the salad immediately after assembly.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of prepared mustard.
How are the onions divided during the process?
Half of the caramelized onions are mixed into the egg salad, while the other half are reserved for garnish.
What heat level is used for the skillet?
The skillet should be heated over medium heat.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of sugar to help caramelize the onions.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is categorized as a vegetarian-friendly salad.
What preparation is needed for the bell peppers?
The bell peppers should be seeded and finely diced.
How much black pepper is added?
The recipe includes 3/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
What provides the crunch in the salad?
Diced bell peppers and the optional red onion provide a fresh contrast to the creamy eggs.
How many onions are used in total?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 large onions for the caramelization process.
What is the purpose of the salt in the initial onion sauté?
The 1/2 teaspoon of salt helps the onions become translucent during the first 3-5 minutes of cooking.
How do you ensure the dressing is smooth?
The mayonnaise, herbs, chili, and spices should be whisked together, followed by the mustard, until the mixture is uniform.
What is the primary flavor profile of the dish?
The dish features a balance of savory eggs, sweet caramelized onions, and spicy Madras curry notes.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Yes, it is described as a vibrant celebration on a plate that is perfect for any gathering.