Egg Madras (Anda Madras)
Soft boiled eggs in a thick, tangy madras gravy. Cheap, filling and ready in half an hour.
Made with Madras paste. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time30 mins
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £0.71 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Lower the eggs into a pan of boiling water and boil for 8 minutes. Cool under cold running water, then peel.
8 min - 2
Heat the oil in a wide pan over a medium heat. Cook the onion for 8 minutes until soft and golden.
8 min - 3
Add your ready made madras paste (see the base recipe) and fry for 2 minutes.
2 min - 4
Pour in the tomatoes and water. Simmer for 12 minutes, until thick.
12 min - 5
Cut a few shallow slits in each egg so the sauce gets in. Add them to the pan and spoon sauce over for 4 minutes.
4 min - 6
Finish with lemon juice and coriander. Serve with rice or flatbreads.
Tips
- Cool boiled eggs under cold water straight away, which makes them easier to peel.
- Fry the peeled eggs in a little oil for 1 minute before adding them for a lightly crisp skin.
- Use eggs that are a week or two old, as they peel more cleanly.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 1 hour and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Do not freeze, as boiled egg whites turn rubbery. Reheat gently until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Is egg madras vegetarian?
Yes, eggs are vegetarian, and the madras paste is plant based. It is not vegan or egg free.
How many eggs per person?
Two per person makes a generous main. Serve with rice and a green vegetable.
Can I make it ahead?
Make the sauce up to 2 days ahead and add freshly boiled eggs when reheating, which keeps them tender.
More made with madras paste
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.