Masala Cheese Omelette or Indian Masala Omelette with cheese is perhaps one of the most underrated versions of an omelette one is likely to come across. Eggs. Cheese. Masala – the combination of this trio seldom goes awry, as it satiates hunger pangs and gratifies indulgent snack cravings.
This masala omelette recipe is the quickest (under 20 minutes flat!) and easiest that you could whip up in your kitchen, with just a bunch of ingredients at hand. The recipe for this fluffy, cheesy, and spicy Indian omelette preparation is a very forgiving one, and can be made even if certain spice ingredients are unavailable. It’s easy to substitute with other readily available ingredients in your kitchen.
Our Masala Omelette recipe Indian style uses a combination of butter and oil as the cooking medium. We are often asked the question – can we make omelette in ghee? Yes, ghee can also be used for this recipe as a variation and will impart a substantially different Indian flavour.
Besides the two large eggs, onions, and tomatoes, three kinds of chillies are used to spice up this masala omelette: black pepper powder, red chilli powder, and fresh green chillies. All of these together infuse a wonderful kick of spice or masala to this protein-rich omelette, which also uses turmeric, the healing spice as one of the ingredients. Aromatic coriander, a herb which is liberally used in many Indian dishes, also finds its way into our Indian omelette recipe.
The word Omelette is said to be derived from the French words alumelle and alumete, which find mention in the Ménagier de Paris, a medieval guidebook, containing recipes among other things. The Old French word amlette comes from alumette which is probably a variation of alumelle derived from 'lemelle' meaning the knife blade.
The earliest known Omelette has been traced to ancient Persia, and was much alike the Iranian Kookoo sabji, an egg preparation similar to the Italian frittata. Though the masala omelette has being prepared in Indian homes for many centuries, it was only after the advent of colonial powers that the term ‘Omelette’ started being used for a dish prepared with eggs, onions, tomatoes, and Indian spices.
The humble omelette travelled far and wide as the British started expanding the Indian railway network. Cheese too, was probably added to this dish post the advent of the British. In Southern India, the Masala Omelette is commonly made with eggs, spices, grated coconut, tomatoes, and herbs such as curry leaves. It sometimes even includes chicken and shrimp. Adding cheese to this omelette preparation, gives it an added element of fat, a depth of flavour, and a delicious, smooth mouthfeel. You could use plain old Amul or Britannia Cheese or go for Gouda, or even a combination of your favourite cheeses. Use of sharp English Cheddar also enhances the flavour of the Omelette. You could add finely chopped green garlic to this Omelette in winters for a variation.
Our recipe of the Masala Cheese Omelette specifies whisking the egg whites before adding the yolk-spice mixture as against whisking the two together, which is a standard norm in the preparation of most Indian omelettes. This step may add a few extra minutes to the preparation time, but will yield a fluffier omelette that is internationally known as a Souffle Omelette. We strongly suggest following this technique to enjoy a soft, fluffy, and airy cheese omelette that will melt in your mouth. Additionally, if you cover the pan after adding grated cheese, the cheese will melt faster. Pay heed to the heat factor while making this, as the cheese omelette recipe requires cooking on low to medium heat. High heat may cause the omelette to overcook or even char, which is not the desired end result.
This cheese omelette recipe Indian style is usually served for breakfast, but it also appears on quick-fix lunch, dinner, and snack menus often. Versions are also found as street food across India such as the famous bun omelette. It has been said that any time is the ideal time to enjoy this dish.
Umpteen variations of the Masala Omelette are made across the world. Kai Yat Sai Talay is Thai Omelette made with seafood. In India, you can find the Poro or the Parsi omelette across Parsi and Iranian eateries in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Hyderabad. French Omelettes are renowned for their use of various herbs such as tarragon, chives, and parsley. You could perhaps try our step by step video of the Spanish Omelette too! Nearly every cuisine in the world has some version of an omelette.
Fun Trivia: On the occasion of Easter, every year, people gather at Bessières in France to crack 15,000 eggs that go into the making of a giant omelette which is then distributed to those who gather for the ceremony. The tradition goes back to when the French military leader Napoleon spent a night near the town. He was so pleased after tasting an omelette at a local inn here, that he gathered all the townsmen to make an omelette for his army the next day. The popularity of omelette is attributed to this festival.
You can garnish the Indian Masala Omelette with a sprig of fresh coriander. It can also be served hot with fried or fresh sliced tomatoes, bacon or sausages, and Butter Garlic Mushrooms. This Masala Cheese Omelette pairs well with a good sourdough bread, toasted everyday bread, pav, or between poi or slices of soft sandwich bread, and even as an accompaniment to the breakfast favourite, parathas. A good coriander chutney, grainy mustard sauce, or tomato ketchup can be apt condiments for this dish, though you may choose to get innovative.
Or try all our Egg Recipes right here!