Vegetarian Korma is a rich and creamy Indian dish made with a variety of vegetables and a flavorful, aromatic sauce. A step-by-step guide on how to make Vegetarian Korma:
Ingredients:
For the Korma Paste:
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup blanched almonds or cashews
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Vegetables:
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., potatoes, carrots, peas, beans, cauliflower), chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 bay leaf
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
For Finishing:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Korma Paste:
1. Blend Ingredients:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the roughly chopped onion, garlic, ginger, shredded coconut, blanched almonds (or cashews), yogurt, tomato paste, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and cayenne pepper. Blend until you have a smooth paste.
2. Heat Oil:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Paste:
- Add the korma paste to the hot oil and cook, stirring constantly, for about 5-7 minutes until the paste thickens and the oil starts to separate from the mixture. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
Prepare the Vegetables:
4. Heat Oil:
- In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat.
5. Add Whole Spices:
- Add the bay leaf, whole cloves, and cinnamon stick to the hot oil. Let them sizzle for a few seconds to release their aroma.
6. Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the chopped mixed vegetables and green bell pepper (if using) to the pan. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
7. Combine Paste and Vegetables:
- Add the cooked korma paste to the sautéed vegetables and mix well to coat them with the flavorful paste.
8. Add Paneer (Optional):
- If you're using paneer, add the cubed paneer to the pan and gently mix it with the vegetables and paste.
9. Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the vegetables (and paneer) simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
10. Finish with Cream:
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir it into the korma. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
11. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish your Vegetarian Korma with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
- Serve the korma hot with rice, naan, or roti.
Enjoy your homemade Vegetarian Korma, a delicious and creamy Indian dish packed with a medley of vegetables and aromatic spices!