Indian Breakfast Recipe: Scrambled Eggs with Green Onions and Cilantro
As you have probably guessed by now or maybe not… that most Indian dishes include onions, cilantro, chilies, etc… this includes breakfast as well. A very popular way to make scrambled eggs in India is to saute chopped onions, green chilies and tomatoes. The egg mixture includes salt, lots of cayenne pepper and tons of chopped cilantro. Once the egg mixture is combined with the onions, etc- a perfect breakfast dish is created. It is usually served with soft white bread on the streets but can be eaten with a roti or parantha as well. I remember eating this mostly for breakfast growing up- but once in a while, if I was lucky, my Mom would make it for dinner! She would make us individual portions in a small metal bowl – she would cook the eggs right in there on the stove and place it in our plates with a parantha! It was delicious! You should try it with a tortilla in case you can’t get your hands on an Indian flat bread.. the combination is great. Although it’s very delicious with sliced bread or even a fresh baguette. I made this particular dish with green onions- no real reason except that I like the color of green onions and they are milder in taste and flavor- any kind of onion will do. Tomatoes are optional- some people don’t like the soft tomato texture in this dish, but I love the tang and color they provide. Cilantro, to me is the key in this dish- although I love it in any and every thing I make. I go through tons of cilantro and absolutely love the very mild leafy onion taste it imparts- some people don’t care for it, in which case, parsley can be substituted. I also like to top the egg dish with garam masala- it gives every bite a very distinctively Indian flavor. Garam masala being a combination of a number of dry spices ground together to form a powder used to cook and garnish. It can be purchased at the grocery stores now but if you are able to make it yourself or know someone who makes it- do try the homemade one- there is no comparison in taste, aroma and flavor! I do make my own in bulk and freeze it to keep fresh. The aroma reminds me of childhood- I remember my Mom mixing the spices together in a large circular metal tray before she would grind them up- every time I mix the spices myself, the smell takes me back…
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 green onions, chopped
- 1 serrano chili, chopped
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garam masala, optional
Heat olive oil in a wide non-stick frying pan. Add the green onions and Serrano chili. Saute for 4-5 minutes on medium heat. Add the tomato and cook for 2-3 minutes. In the meantime, beat the eggs in a small bowl with a teaspoon of water. Add the salt, cayenne pepper, cilantro and beat well. Add the egg mixture to the hot pan. Cook the eggs on medium heat stirring gently until the eggs are cooked to your liking. Adjust seasoning and add the garam masala.
