Anjappar Egg Fried Rice
Anjappar Egg Fried Rice is a South Indian twist on the classic fried rice, featuring fragrant Basmati rice, fluffy scrambled eggs, bold Chettinad-style spices, and fresh herbs. This dish delivers a smoky, spicy aroma and restaurant-style flavor—perfect for lunch, dinner, or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked day-old Basmati rice
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee (or a mix of both)
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped spring onions
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- -Prepare Rice: Use cold, cooked Basmati rice. If freshly cooked, spread it out to cool completely.-Scramble Eggs: Heat 1 tbsp of oil or ghee in a large wok. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble gently until fluffy. Remove and set aside.-Sauté Aromatics: In the same wok, heat another tbsp of oil/ghee. Add fennel seeds, then sauté garlic, ginger, onion, and green chilies until golden.-Add Spices: Mix in turmeric, red chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Sauté for 1–2 minutes to release their aroma.-Combine Rice and Eggs: Add the cooked rice and scrambled eggs to the wok. Stir-fry on high heat for 2–3 minutes until well mixed and heated through.-Finish and Garnish: Turn off the heat. Stir in chopped spring onions and coriander. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use Day-Old Rice: Cold, leftover rice works best as it stays separate and doesn’t get mushy while stir-frying.
- High Heat is Key: Stir-fry on high heat to get that signature smoky flavor, often called "wok hei" in restaurant-style cooking.
- Cook Eggs Separately: Always scramble the eggs separately before mixing them in to prevent overcooking or rubbery texture.
- Oil & Ghee Combo: For authentic South Indian depth, use a combination of oil and ghee—it enhances both aroma and flavor.
- Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of green chilies and chili powder to suit your taste.
- Add Crunch & Freshness: Finish with chopped spring onions and coriander for a burst of freshness and mild crunch.
- Optional Boost: Toss in some cooked veggies or paneer cubes for added texture and nutrition.