Eggs are an all-time favourite food, and for good reason! They can be used in any meal, including breakfast, lunch, supper, and even dessert! However, eggs' health advantages go far beyond their culinary versatility. Eggs are a remarkably nutrient-dense food option that can aid in muscle recovery and maintain strong, healthy bones because they are high in protein and vitamin D.
Despite all these advantages, it's surprising to see that party snacks rarely include eggs at all. It's unfortunate that such a delicious and adaptable ingredient is frequently disregarded when making wonderful snacks. We are usually left with a few basic varieties, like egg pakoda or cutlets. But we're here to change that for you with a regional treat you might not be familiar with just yet.
Egg shoap, a breakfast dish from Nagaland, is one that has yet to see the light of day across the country. Crispy, deep-fried cutlets made with boiled eggs and potatoes, infused with fragrant Indian herbs and spices, are perfect for a morning meal, with a cup of tea in the evening, as an impressive snack addition to any party spread, or even in a tiffin box for lunch.
Boiled potatoes are mashed together and mixed with sautéed chopped onions, ginger, garlic, green chillies, cumin, salt, and turmeric powder. Then, the boiled eggs are wrapped in the potato mixture completely to look like an oval cutlet. They are later dipped in egg wash and rolled into bread crumbs before being deep-fried in oil.
Egg shoap is one snack that is similar to Bengali devilled eggs and the kofta of Awadhi-style Nargisi kofta gravy. While Bengali delight and kofta are mince-coated eggs that non-vegetarians enjoy, egg shoap is perfect for ovo-vegetarians who do not consume meat, seafood, or dairy products but eat eggs as an exception for protein in their meals.
Served hot with a side of chutney or ketchup, this dish, known as egg shoap, is a popular breakfast option in Nagaland and other parts of Northeast India. Assamese enjoy it as a teatime snack. Its versatility makes it a great way to start your day, and it can easily be customised to individual tastes.
Coming back to the Assamese egg shoap, while they can be savoured as a tantalising snack, add them to a spicy curry, and you have a classic main course delicacy to relish. If you are wondering how to go about making it at home, we’ve got you covered with this video.