In a creamy, subtly spiced gravy, vegetables, nuts, and occasionally fruits are combined to create the rich, flavorful Indian curry known as Navratan Korma. Since “Navratan” means “nine gems,” nine distinct ingredients are used. This vegetarian treat is ideal for celebrations or times when you want to treat yourself to something upscale.
Navratan Korma Ingredients
Navratan Korma is made with a variety of fresh and vibrant vegetables, including carrots, peas, beans, and potatoes, as well as nuts like cashew and almonds. Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and fruits such as pineapple are frequently added for richness and a touch of sweetness. The base is usually a creamy sauce made from yogurt, cream, or cashew paste and seasoned with aromatic spices like cumin, cinnamon, and cardamom.
Navratan Korma Recipe
Preparing the Ingredients –
– Dice carrots, potatoes, beans, and any other vegetables. Blanch or boil until they are tender but firm.
– Fry the cashews, almonds, and paneer cubes until golden. Set aside for garnishment.
– Gravy Base, In a blender, combine onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and cashews until smooth. This is the foundation of the curry.
Making the Gravy
– Heat ghee or oil in a pan, then add whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves). Once they have released their aroma, the onion-tomato paste until the oil separates.
– To avoid curdling, add the yogurt or cream while stirring continuously. Add ground spices such as turmeric, coriander, and garam masala.
Combining Everything
– Add the boiled vegetables, paneer, and fried nuts to the gravy. Gently stir to coat them with the sauce.
– To add sweetness, mix in small fruit pieces such as pineapple or raisins.
Final Touches
– To allow the flavors to combine, simmer the korma for a few minutes.
– Add fresh coriander, fried nuts, or cream as garnish.
Serving Suggestions
Navratan Korma goes well with jeera rice, naan, or paratha. It is a versatile dish for Indian feasts because of its rich, creamy texture, which goes well with simple accompaniments.
Health and Flavor Notes
Balanced Nutrition – This dish incorporates vitamins from vegetables, healthy fats from cream or yogurt, and proteins from paneer and nuts.
Customization – To change the richness, use coconut milk instead of cream or omit the fruits for a purely savory version.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Navratan Korma, which comes from Mughlai cooking, is a symbol of the splendor of royal kitchens. Its rich texture and combination of savory and sweet flavors make it a celebratory symbol.
You can read more about the Navratan Korma Recipe by Swasthi’s Recipes for a comprehensive recipe.