Bengali Style Egg Curry (Dimer Dalna)

Step 1: Prepare the Eggs

Take 5 boiled eggs and make small cuts on their surface. Heat mustard oil in a pan.

Step 2: Fry the Eggs

Add the scored boiled eggs to the hot oil. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/2 tsp red chili powder over the eggs. Fry the eggs until they turn reddish-brown on all sides, then remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Whole Spices

In the same oil, add 2 bay leaves, 1 dried red chili, 2-3 green cardamom pods, 2-3 cloves, and 1 small piece of cinnamon stick. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Cook Onions and Ginger-Garlic Paste

Add 2 large chopped onions to the pan and fry until they turn golden brown. Then, add 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Green Chilies

Add 2 medium chopped tomatoes and 2-3 chopped green chilies to the pan. Mix well and cover the pan to allow the tomatoes to soften, cooking for about 3-4 minutes. Uncover and mash the tomatoes with your spatula.

Step 6: Add Dry Spices and Water

Add 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, and 1 tsp coriander powder to the pan. Add a splash of water to prevent burning and sauté the masala well until the oil separates from the mixture, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7: Simmer the Gravy with Eggs

Pour 1.5 cups of water into the pan to form the gravy. Add salt to taste. Bring the gravy to a boil, then add the fried eggs. Gently mix the eggs into the simmering gravy and let it cook for 5-7 minutes.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle 1 tsp of garam masala powder over the curry and gently stir. Add 1 tsp of ghee and mix gently. Turn off the heat. The Bengali style egg curry is now ready to be served hot with rice or Indian breads.

• Ensure the eggs are scored before frying to allow the spices to penetrate better.

• Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice preference.

• Cook the onion-tomato masala thoroughly until the oil separates for a rich gravy.

• Add boiled potatoes along with the eggs for a heartier curry.

• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for added flavor and freshness.