Eggs! Whether you eat them at home, at the nukkad café or a fancy restaurant, most of us know that we are going to get a plate full of savoury yumminess with egg snacks. Yes, India does have plenty of vegetarians and even vegans who avoid eggs, but for most people, eggs are the cheapest and easiest sources of nutrition—and they are so easy to cook that any number of dishes can be whipped up with them.
Don’t believe this on face value? Take a closer look at teatime snacks menus from across India and you might change your mind. Sure, we have plenty of teatime snacks that are vegetarian, be it samosas or a wide variety of chaats. But egg snacks, especially ones that are packed with plenty of flavours, are definitely on those menus. Whether you are a student or a working professional, exploring these egg snacks is a great idea for all because they are healthy (unless cooked in loads of fat and packed with too much cream and cheese) too.
These reasons should ideally be enough to convince you to pick a healthy egg snack for your teatime binge today or on any given day for that matter. In fact, there are plenty of traditional Indian healthy egg snacks from across the country that can provide the perfect solution for not only your teatime munchies but also for breakfasts! Here are some of the best and healthiest egg snacks from around India that you should definitely try out.
Video Credit: YouTube/Home Cooking Show
Anda Khagina
So, you love scrambled eggs on toast do you? If yes, then you should try this Indian version of scrambled eggs, which is usually served with parathas. Legend has it that this dish was created in the Middle East and travelled to India with the Mughals. Today, Anda Khagina made with onions, tomatoes and lots of spices is very popular in Hyderabad and Bhopal. There are even samosas stuffed with Anda Khagina that are served in Madhya Pradesh and Hyderabad.
Dimer Devil
If you haven’t tried this snack from Bengal, then you don’t know what you are missing. Inspired by Scotch eggs and deviled eggs, Dimer Devil is a snack of hard-boiled eggs that are coated with a spiced mixture and then deep-fried until golden and crispy. The coating is typically made by combining a paste of boiled potatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, green chilies, and spices such as turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. Dimer Devil is served with Kasundi, tea and a healthy dose of adda.
Egg Poach
Unlike the European poached eggs which are simmered in water, this one is a street food snack from Bihar that is made in a small ladle or dabbu. The eggs are cracked into a dabbu glazed with oil and tempered with cumin seeds. As the eggs fry in the dabbu, chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, pepper and coriander leaves are added on top. Once crispy on the outside, these Bihari-style egg poaches are served with parathas.
Egg Bonda
Egg Bonda, also known as Mutta Bonda or Anda Bonda, is a popular South Indian snack that features a boiled egg coated in a spiced batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The origins of Egg Bonda can be traced back to the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, specifically the Chettinad region. Egg Bonda is commonly served with coconut chutney or tomato chutney. In parts of North India, this one is also served as Anda Pakoda.
Eggs Kejriwal
Originating in Mumbai’s Willingdon Club, this iconic Indian healthy egg snack was first created for Devi Prasad Kejriwal. Eggs Kejriwal is prepared as per individual preference, such as sunny-side-up or over-easy. Over the eggs, a mixture of grated cheese, typically processed cheese or cheddar, is sprinkled generously. The dish is then seasoned with spices like green chilies, red chili flakes, and a pinch of salt.
Egg Roll
From Bengal to Punjab, one of the tastiest evening snacks that feature a healthy dose of eggs are egg rolls. Whisked eggs are fried on a tawa and a roti or paratha is placed strategically on top to make the base for egg rolls. Then a variety of fillings, ranging from onions and chutneys to chicken or paneer pieces are added to make the most filling egg snack treat in the country.
Egg Paniyaram
Also known as Chettinad Muttai Paniyaram, this healthy egg snack from Tamil Nadu is a must have for teatime or breakfast. Whisked eggs are added to a typical rice-based dosa or fermented batter. While many people add curry leaves and spices like mustard seeds to this batter, others also add more vegetables. The perfectly roung Egg Paniyaram are then cooked in a special utensil and served with coconut and tomato chutneys.
