- Chop scallions, separating whites and greens.
- Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onions with half the salt until golden.
- Add ginger, garlic, chilies, and scallion whites. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Mix in tomatoes and turmeric. Cook until tomatoes soften.
- Whisk eggs with milk and remaining salt. Pour into pan.
- Stir continuously for 5-6 minutes until eggs are cooked.
- Add garam masala, cilantro, and scallion greens. Mix well.
- Serve with ghee-toasted bread or parathas.
- Calories:163 kcal25%
- Energy:681 kJ22%
- Protein:10 g28%
- Carbohydrates:8 mg40%
- Sugar:4 mg8%
- Salt:978 g25%
- Fat:10 g20%
Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh
Indian Egg Bhurji Recipe – Spicy Scallion & Turmeric Delight
Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and seriously satisfying Indian breakfast (or any-time-of-day meal!), you have to try Egg Bhurji. It’s basically scrambled eggs, but a million times more delicious thanks to a vibrant blend of Indian spices. I first made this when I was craving something comforting and flavorful, and it’s been a staple ever since. It’s so easy to whip up, even on busy mornings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Egg Bhurji isn’t just breakfast; it’s a little burst of sunshine on a plate. It’s packed with flavor from the turmeric, garam masala, and fresh chilies. Plus, it comes together in under 20 minutes! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a lazy weekend brunch, or even a light lunch. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:
- 6 eggs
- ½ cup milk (about 120ml)
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 Indian green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference!)
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 3 scallions, chopped (separate the whites and greens)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (about 10-15g)
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to really elevate this bhurji:
- Turmeric: Don’t skip this! It’s not just for color; turmeric has amazing health benefits and adds a lovely earthy flavor. It’s a cornerstone of Indian cooking.
- Garam Masala: This warm spice blend is essential. Every family has their own blend, so feel free to use your favorite. It adds a beautiful complexity to the dish.
- Indian Green Chilies: These pack a punch! The heat level can vary quite a bit depending on the type. Start with one if you’re unsure, and add more to taste. In my family, my dad always adds extra – he loves the heat! You can find them at most Indian grocery stores. If you can’t find them, serrano peppers are a good substitute.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking!
- First, chop your scallions, keeping the white and green parts separate. This is just a little prep work that makes a big difference in the final flavor.
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and about half the salt. Sauté until they turn a beautiful golden brown – this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Patience is key here; nicely browned onions are the foundation of flavor.
- Now, add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green chilies. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now!
- Toss in the chopped tomato and turmeric. Cook until the tomatoes soften and break down a bit, about 3-5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and the remaining salt. Give it a good whisk until everything is well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture into the pan. Now comes the fun part! Stir continuously for 5-6 minutes, until the eggs are cooked through but still slightly moist. You want a nice, soft scramble.
- Finally, sprinkle in the garam masala, chopped cilantro, and scallion greens. Give it one last good mix.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook the eggs! Nobody likes dry bhurji.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red chili powder along with the turmeric.
- A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Variations
- Vegan Adaptation: Swap the eggs for a tofu scramble! Crumble firm or extra-firm tofu and sauté it with the same spices. It’s surprisingly delicious.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your garam masala blend to ensure it doesn’t contain any hidden gluten.
- Spice Level Adjustments: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of green chilies or remove the seeds before chopping. If you like it really spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Breakfast vs. Brunch/Light Meal Adaptation: For a heartier meal, serve with a side of dal (lentils) or a simple vegetable curry.
Serving Suggestions
Egg Bhurji is incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- With Ghee-Toasted Bread: This is the classic pairing! The richness of the ghee and the crispy bread are perfect with the spicy bhurji.
- With Parathas: Flaky, layered parathas are another fantastic option.
- With Roti or Chapati: A simple and satisfying combination.
- As a filling for wraps or rolls: Perfect for a quick and easy lunch.
Storage Instructions
Egg Bhurji is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave. The texture might change slightly, but it will still be tasty!
FAQs
- What is Bhurji and where does it originate from? Bhurji simply means “scrambled” in Hindi. It’s a popular dish across India, with regional variations in spices and ingredients. It’s believed to have originated as a way to use up leftover ingredients.
- Can I make this ahead of time? While you can prep the ingredients ahead of time (chop onions, ginger, garlic, etc.), I don’t recommend making the bhurji itself too far in advance. It’s best when freshly made.
- What is a good substitute for Indian green chilies? Serrano peppers are a good substitute, but they might be slightly hotter. Jalapeños can also work, but they have a milder flavor.
- What kind of bread is traditionally served with Egg Bhurji? Ghee-toasted bread is the most common choice, but parathas and roti are also popular.
- How can I adjust the consistency of the Egg Bhurji? If you prefer a drier bhurji, cook it for a longer time, stirring constantly. If you like it softer and more moist, reduce the cooking time.
Neha Deshmukh
Neha holds a B.A. in History with a focus on Indian and world history, including ancient, medieval, and modern periods. At RecipesOfIndia.org — the world’s largest database of Indian recipes — she combines her love for food and history by exploring how India’s past has shaped its culinary traditions.