### Muttai Kulambu: A Tasty Tamil Style Egg Curry
Muttai kulambu, commonly referred to as egg kulambu, is a savory Tamil-style egg curry that complements rice, chapati, roti, or dosa wonderfully. This dish is a beloved staple in numerous Tamil households and is appreciated for its fragrant spices and soothing flavors.
#### Ingredients
– 4-6 eggs (hard-boiled and peeled)
– 2 medium-sized onions (finely diced)
– 2 medium-sized tomatoes (pureed)
– 1/2 cup coconut (grated)
– 2 tablespoons cashew nuts
– 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 2-3 green chilies (slit)
– 1-2 dried red chilies
– 1-2 cloves
– 1-2 cardamom pods
– 1 small piece of cinnamon
– Salt to taste
– 2 tablespoons oil
– Fresh coriander leaves (for garnishing)
#### Instructions
1. **Preparation of Ingredients**: Start by boiling the eggs until they are hard-boiled. After cooking, peel and set them aside. Prepare the onion and tomato puree, and grate the coconut.
2. **Spice Preparation**: In a pan, dry roast the fennel seeds, black pepper, cashew nuts, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon until aromatic. Allow them to cool and then grind into a fine powder.
3. **Cooking the Base**: Heat oil in a pan on medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become golden brown. Introduce the slit green chilies and dried red chilies, cooking for an additional minute.
4. **Adding Tomatoes**: Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture. This step is essential as it intensifies the flavor of the curry.
5. **Incorporating Coconut and Spices**: Add the grated coconut and the ground spice mix to the pan. Combine well and cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
6. **Final Touches**: Carefully place the boiled eggs into the curry, making sure they are well-coated with the sauce. Add salt to taste and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
7. **Garnishing**: Once finished, garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
#### Serving Suggestions
Muttai kulambu is best relished warm, served with steamed rice, chapati, or dosa. Its rich, aromatic flavors provide a comforting meal, particularly on rainy days.
#### Conclusion
Muttai kulambu is a delightful representation of Tamil cuisine, highlighting the use of spices and coconut to create a dish that is both fulfilling and tasty. This recipe is not only swift to prepare but also a wonderful way to enjoy eggs in an alternate style. Whether for brunch or dinner, this egg curry is bound to delight your taste buds.