All About Navratan Korma Recipe

Navratan Korma is a popular and richly flavored Indian dish that originates from the Mughlai cuisine. The name “Navratan” translates to “nine gems,” symbolizing the nine different ingredients used to create this dish. It is known for its exquisite blend of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and spices, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

The dish typically includes a medley of vegetables like carrots, peas, beans, and cauliflower, along with ingredients such as paneer (Indian cottage cheese), raisins, cashews, and almonds. These components are simmered in a creamy and aromatic gravy made from a blend of spices, yogurt, cream, and sometimes tomato.

Navratan Korma exemplifies the Mughlai tradition of using rich ingredients to create luxurious and delectable dishes. It’s a staple in Indian cuisine, often served during special occasions and celebrations due to its indulgent nature. The dish can be enjoyed with various Indian breads like naan or roti, as well as with rice dishes like pulao or biryani. Its intricate flavors and exquisite presentation make Navratan Korma a beloved culinary masterpiece enjoyed by food enthusiasts worldwide.

Ingredients Of Navratan Korma Recipe:

Collect all the necessary ingredients before you start cooking:

• Assorted vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, potatoes, cauliflower) – 1 cup each, diced
• Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) – 1/2 cup, cubed
• Cashew nuts – 1/4 cup
• Raisins – 1/4 cup
• Onions – 2 medium-sized, finely chopped
• Tomatoes – 2 medium-sized, pureed
• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
• Fresh cream – 1/4 cup
• Cooking oil – 2 tablespoons
• Ghee (clarified butter) – 1 tablespoon
• Bay leaf – 1
• Cinnamon stick – 1 small piece
• Cloves – 2-3
• Green cardamom pods – 2-3
• Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Red chili powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
• Garam masala – 1/2 teaspoon
• Sugar – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – to taste

Step By Step Instructions Of Navratan Korma Recipe:

Step 1: Prepare Vegetables

Peel and dice the assorted vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Boil them in salted water until they are slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Fry Paneer and Nuts

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan and fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden brown. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, fry the cashew nuts until they are lightly browned. Remove and set aside. Fry the raisins until they plump up. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Korma Sauce

In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat a mixture of oil and ghee. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and green cardamom pods. Sauté for a minute until they release their aroma. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

Step 4: Add Ginger-Garlic Paste and Spices

Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears. Then, add the pureed tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook the masala until the oil starts to separate from it.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Base

Reduce the heat to low and add the fresh cream to the masala. Mix well until the cream is fully incorporated into the sauce. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Add Paneer, Nuts, and Vegetables

Add the fried paneer cubes, cashew nuts, and boiled vegetables to the creamy sauce. Gently stir to coat everything with the sauce. Add garam masala, sugar, and salt to taste. Mix well.

Step 7: Simmer and Finish

Cover the pan and let the korma simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to intensify and the vegetables to absorb the flavors of the sauce. If the korma becomes too thick, you can add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the korma is cooked to perfection, turn off the heat. Garnish with fried raisins and a few more cashew nuts. Your Navratan Korma is now ready to be served.

Step 9: Serving Suggestions

Serve the Navratan Korma hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice. It’s a delightful dish that offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors from the vegetables, nuts, and fruits in the creamy sauce.

Enjoy your homemade Navratan Korma, a delicious and wholesome Indian dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends!