Eggs are rich in protein, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and healthy fats, which is why they are widely consumed for better muscle, bone and brain health. But many people avoid eggs because they follow a vegetarian diet. Interestingly, there is a unique recipe that even strict vegetarians can enjoy—a “veg egg curry” that contains no actual eggs yet looks exactly like a real egg curry when served.

This recipe uses only vegetarian ingredients, but the final dish resembles authentic egg curry so closely that your friends may not believe it is entirely egg-free. It is nutritious too, since the paneer and potatoes used in it provide a good amount of protein.

If you want to surprise your vegetarian friends with a fun and delicious dish, this creative veg egg curry is a perfect choice. Here’s how to prepare it.

Ingredients for Veg “Eggs”

• Paneer (cottage cheese): 250 grams




• Arrowroot: 1 tablespoon




• Turmeric: 1/4 teaspoon




• Flour (maida): 2 tablespoons




• Oil: 1 tablespoon




• Salt: 1 teaspoon




• Boiled potatoes: 2

These ingredients help you create the white and yolk portions of the artificial eggs.

Ingredients for the Gravy

• Onions: 2 medium




• Green chillies: 2




• Tomatoes: 2




• Cumin seeds: 1/2 teaspoon




• Turmeric: 1/2 teaspoon




• Coriander powder: 2 teaspoons




• Black pepper powder: 1/2 teaspoon




• Garam masala: 1/2 teaspoon




• Gram flour (besan): 2 teaspoons




• Kasuri methi: 1 teaspoon




• Fennel powder: 1 teaspoon




• Red chilli powder: 1/2 teaspoon




• Salt to taste

How to Prepare the Veg “Eggs”

Step 1: Prepare the Yolk Mixture
Grate the paneer and set aside one-fourth of it in a separate bowl. Add turmeric and salt to this portion; this will form the yellow egg yolk.

Step 2: Prepare the White Mixture
Mix the remaining paneer with arrowroot, boiled and mashed potatoes, and salt. Mash until smooth.

Step 3: Shape the Yolks
Make small balls from the turmeric-coloured paneer mixture. They should be about the size of egg yolks.

Step 4: Shape the Eggs
Grease your hands lightly with oil. Take some of the white mixture, flatten it, place a yolk ball in the centre, and gently seal it. Shape it like a whole boiled egg.

Step 5: Coat and Fry
Roll each prepared egg gently in dry flour. Let them rest for a few minutes. Heat oil on medium-low flame and fry the eggs carefully until golden. Handle gently so they don’t break.

How to Prepare the Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Pastes
Grind onions along with ginger and garlic into a smooth paste. Blend tomatoes separately to make a puree.

Step 2: Cook the Base
Heat a small amount of oil in a pan. Add the onion-ginger-garlic paste and sauté until it changes colour.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Add slit green chillies, tomato puree, turmeric, red chilli, coriander powder, salt and black pepper. Cook until the masala releases oil.

Step 4: Add Aroma and Depth
Mix in kasuri methi and fennel powder. You may add a little butter for enhanced flavour.

Step 5: Adjust the Consistency
Add water to the masala, bring it to a boil twice, then add the fried veg eggs. Cook until the gravy thickens.