Egg Kulambu

8 eggs

½ teaspoon fennel seeds

½ teaspoon cumin seeds

½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns

3 tablespoons cooking oil

½ teaspoon ground turmeric

1 large onion, sliced thin

2 tomatoes, chopped

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root

1 teaspoon ground red pepper

½ teaspoon ground coriander

1 cup water

¼ cup shredded coconut

¼ cup jaggery (palm sugar)

½ teaspoon tamarind paste

salt to taste

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Place the eggs into a saucepan in a single layer and fill with water to cover by 1 inch. Cover the saucepan and bring the water to a boil; remove from the heat and let the eggs stand in the hot water for 15 minutes; drain. Run cold water over the eggs to cool completely; peel. Cut 4 slits into each of the eggs.

Roast the fennel seeds, cumin seeds, and peppercorns in a small skillet over medium heat until very fragrant; grind into powder. Set aside.

Heat the oil in a large skillet or kadhai over medium heat. Stir the turmeric into the oil. Quickly fry the eggs in the hot oil on all sides, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Cook the onions in the hot oil until golden brown; add the ginger, garlic, and tomatoes and continue cooking until the tomatoes are soft. Stir the ground seed mixture, ground red pepper, and ground coriander into the onion mixture and cook another 1 to 2 minutes. Pour the water into the skillet. Add the coconut, jaggery, tamarind, and salt; return to a boil and cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; add the eggs and allow to simmer another 10 minutes. If the gravy is too thick, thin out with a little water. Garnish with the cilantro leaves to serve.