QUAIL EGG ROAST

    Quail Eggs are cute little eggs laid by Quails. They are bite-sized and absolutely adorable.  These eggs are smaller in size compared to Chicken and Duck Eggs.  Though a popular egg variety, it is considered as a novelty & utter delicacy in many parts of the world. Smaller in size doesn't mean that they are any way lesser to other egg varieties, they are equally packed with nutrients which makes them a healthy alternative in a daily diet.
     In terms of taste and flavour - the rich & flavorful yolk has increased the demand for Quail eggs in many culinary preparations. These Eggs have a higher yolk-to-white ratio than normal eggs, which can elevate the cholesterol level, but generally, quail eggs are considered very healthy.

Health benefits of quail eggs include :

• The high amount of Vitamin A in Quail Eggs has the ability to improve vision.
• Protein in the Quail eggs boost energy levels and stimulate growth.
• Vitamin B in Quail Eggs repair & improve metabolism.
• Presence of potassium in quail eggs reduces Blood Pressure.
• Quail eggs are high in Ovomucoid Protein(natural anti-allergenic) Soothes Allergies.
• Cleanses the body by eliminating the Toxins.
• Antioxidants and significant levels of vitamin C and vitamin A, prevent Chronic Diseases.
• Good amount of beneficial fatty acids found in quail eggs balances Cholesterol Levels.

      Asian countries have adapted these Quail Eggs into their hawker culture, to adventurously suit the local palate and traditionally bound taste buds in terms of "creative cuisine".  Simply steamed/fried eggs or vegetables served in skewers called LOK LOK could be seen in almost all hawker centres, road side food stalls and in steam boat.  Lok Lok has taken a special place in Asian Street Food. We can commonly see these Tiny hard boiled Quail eggs served in skewers(lok lok) in Malaysian and Singapore food stalls.
     Quail Eggs are great source of Protein, equally delicious and nutritious. These eggs are served in various cuisines, in raw form or as cooked -soft/hard boiled, deep-fried, pickled and smoked. Quail Eggs suits into anything from a basic egg preparation or can be added into your choice of Curries or Gravies for s simple Side dish. Quail Egg Roast is an easy dish prepared with hard-boiled Quail Eggs in a spicy Masala.  Quail Egg Roast recipe goes well with Vellayappam, Idiyappam, Chapatis, Rotis, Parathas etc.,  Suits well with rice dishes or steamed rice too.

Cuisine : Indian
Course : Side Dish
Spice Level : Medium
Difficulty : Easy
Serves : 3 - 4
Author : SM

Preparation Time - 20-30 Minutes
Cooking Time - 25-30 Minutes

INGREDIENTS :

Quail Eggs - 20 Nos.
Onion - 2 Nos.
Tomato - 2 Nos.
Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 Tbspn
Green Chillies - 3-4
Curry Leaves - 2 Sprigs
Turmeric Powder - 1 Tspn
Red Chilli Powder - 1 Tbspn
Garam Masala - 1 Tspn
Oil - 2 Tbspn
Salt - to Taste
Sugar - a Pinch

To Garnish :

Coriander Leaves - Few

METHOD :

• Hard boil the Quail Eggs and keep them aside.  Peel them and cut it into two halves.
• Puree the Tomatoes and keep them aside.
• Heat Oil in a pan, saute finely chopped Onions, Curry Leaves, Green Chillies until Onions turn translucent.
• Add Ginger-Garlic Paste and saute it until aromatic.
• Add Turmeric Powder, Red Chilli Powder and Garam Masala to the above and fry for a while until the raw flavour goes.
• Pour in the pureed Tomatoes and saute until oil separate from the mix.
• Add a dash of Salt, a pinch of Sugar and mix well.
• Sprinkle some water, if necessary and cook on a low flame for about 5 minutes.
• Add boiled Quail Eggs into it and cook them on a low flame for few more minutes.
• Switch off the flame and garnish the Quail Egg Roast with Coriander Leaves.
• Serve Quail Egg Roast hot. 
• Goes well with Vellayappam, Idiyappam, Chapatis, Rotis, Parathas and Rice too.

 NOTES :

• Adjust the number of Spices to your taste preference.
• Cut small slits over the Quail Egg whites, so that the egg absorbs the flavour of the curry.
• Can also finely chop the Tomatoes instead of Pureeing them.
• Adding Sugar is totally optional. 

Tips & Tricks :

HARD BOILED QUAIL EGGS :

     Perfectly boiled quail eggs retain taste and nutrition.  Over cooked eggs tend to lose the nutrition whereas an under cooked eggs can spoil the taste of the dish.  If we consider some simple steps, it is easy to get perfectly boiled quail eggs every time.

Method :

• Pour water into the pot and add quail eggs into it.
• Switch on the flame and allow it to boil.
• Once the water boils, cover the pot, lower the flame and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes.
• Switch off the flame and allow it to cool. 
• Peel the quail egg, when it is warm.
• Allow it to cool down before slicing it with a sharp knife.

Notes :

• It is easy to peel the eggs when it is still warm.
• To ensure perfectly sliced eggs, slice them when they have cooled down.
• Stir the pot occasionally, while boiling the Quail Eggs, this is to ensure that the yolk remains intact at the centre.