Navratan Korma, a deliciously creamy dish, gets its name from the nine jewels (nav=nine and ratan=jewels) that come together in a luscious sauce. The base of this curry is crafted from a blend of cashews, poppy seeds, and finished off with cream, giving it a truly indulgent flavor.
Legend has it that Navratan Korma was inspired by the nine courtiers in King Akbar’s royal court, with each ingredient symbolizing one of these esteemed members. Traditionally, the recipe calls for nine key ingredients, a mix of veggies, fruits, and nuts, representing the courtiers in the king’s courtroom.
This curry boasts a delightful combination of fruits, nuts, and cream, resulting in a sweet and creamy taste profile without the fiery kick of spices. If you’re a fan of sweet, creamy curries, Navratan Korma is sure to tickle your taste buds!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, cauliflower, potatoes, green beans, cut in small pieces)
- 1/2 cup Paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed
- 1/4 cup cashew nuts
- 1 bay leaf
- 2-3 cloves
- 2-3 cardamom
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 inch ginger
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala( Click Here to get my homemade Garam Masala Recipe)
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup Pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup cubed Pineapple.
For tempering
- 1 teaspoon ghee
- 1/4th cup cashews
- 1/4th cup golden raisins
For Saffron Milk
- 5-6 strands of Saffron or Zafran
- 1/4th cup hot milk
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Recipe Instructions
- In a small bowl, add hot milk and saffron and let the saffron infuse the milk.
- In a pan, boil all the veggies till they are tender. Drain the water and keep the veggies aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in the same pan and add chopped onions, cashews, ginger and garlic. Cook till they are soft. Add 2 cups of water and let it come to a boil. Once boiling, switch off the gas and let the mixture cool. After it is cooled down, blend it in a blender in a smooth paste.
- You can use the same pan and heat the remaining ghee in it.
- Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Next goes in the bay leaf, cloves and cardamom. Fry till they are fragrant.
- Now add in the onion- cashew paste and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well.
- Add boiled mixed vegetables, paneer cubes. Mix gently.
- In another small pan, heat ghee for tempering. Add cashewnuts and raisins and let them fluff up. Add this tempering to the veggies and mix.
- Also, add the saffron milk and mix well.
- Cover and simmer on low heat until the vegetables are tender and the gravy thickens.
- At the end, add the garam masala, pomegranate seeds and pineapple and give it a final stir.
Tips and Tricks
- Customize the vegetables according to your preference.
- Adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds.Serve hot with naan, rice, or roti for a complete meal experience.
- Toast the cashew nuts lightly before adding them to the dish for a nuttier flavor.
- For a richer taste, roast the paneer cubes in a little ghee before adding them to the korma.
- For a healthier version, use low-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt instead of cashew nut base.
- You can make this dish vegan, by infusing saffron in cashewnut milk instead of dairy. Alternatively, you can add saffron the vegetable curry without infusing it in any milk.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Navratan Korma ahead of time?
A: Yes, Navratan Korma can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently before serving.
Q: Can I skip the paneer?
A: While paneer adds a unique texture and flavor to Navratan Korma, you can omit it if preferred or substitute with tofu for a vegan version.
Q: Can I make Navratan Korma without nuts and raisins?
A: Yes, you can omit nuts and raisins if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version. The dish will still be flavorful due to the combination of spices and vegetables.
Q: Can I freeze Navratan Korma?
A: While Navratan Korma can be frozen, the texture of vegetables and paneer may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a short duration.
Q: How do I make Navratan Korma spicier?
A: Adjust the quantity of red chili powder according to your spice preference. You can also add a finely chopped green chili for an extra kick of heat.
Navratan Korma is not just a dish; it’s a culinary journey that combines the richness of Indian spices with the goodness of assorted vegetables and creamy gravy. Whether you’re observing a vegetarian diet or simply craving a hearty meal, Navratan Korma promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So gather your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and let the aromatic flavors of Navratan Korma transport you to a world of gastronomic delight!