Lunchbox Series - Indian Style Egg Salad

Nupur from One Hot Stove was my inspiration to try this version for today’s Lunchbox Series. Since Nikhil isn’t a big fan of traditional egg salad sandwiches, I thought this Indian-style twist might work better. He’s developed fairly “desi” tastebuds from both Girish and me, so I was cautiously optimistic that this lunchbox would come back empty.

Indian-ising this lunchbox staple with paprika-style heat, cilantro, and kitchen king masala felt like a brilliant idea. It keeps the familiar comfort of egg salad while adding flavors that feel far more exciting and familiar to our palate.

Ingredients

• 5 hard-boiled eggs
  (I use a color-changing egg timer for perfectly boiled eggs, but any reliable method works)

• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 small tomato, chopped
• 1/2 tsp crushed green chilies
  (I use Thai chilies, but jalapeños work well too)
• 1/4 tsp crushed garlic
• 1/4 tsp crushed ginger
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 tsp red chili powder
• 1/4 tsp kitchen king masala
  (Available at Indian grocery stores)
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp spicy brown mustard
• 1 to 1 1/2 tsp oil
• Salt, to taste

Method

1. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and chop them into small chunks.
2. Heat the oil in a pan and add the chopped onions.
3. When the onions turn translucent, add the crushed ginger, garlic, and green chilies.
4. Add the turmeric, red chili powder, kitchen king masala, and salt.
5. Sauté for a few minutes, then add the chopped tomatoes. Cook until the mixture becomes slightly dry.
6. Allow the mixture to cool completely, then add it to the chopped eggs.
7. Add the mayonnaise and mustard and mix gently but thoroughly. Fold in the chopped cilantro.
8. For additional color and heat, you may add a light sprinkle of red chili powder.
9. This egg salad works beautifully in pita bread or pita pockets. I used regular bread today, but I recommend lightly toasting the slices and adding a lettuce leaf to prevent sogginess by lunchtime. I used red cabbage this time simply because I didn’t have lettuce on hand.

A simple, flavorful twist on classic egg salad that works especially well for lunchboxes and quick weekday meals.