Navratan Korma is a popular Indian dish that originated in the Mughlai cuisine. It is a creamy and rich curry made with a mixture of nine vegetables, which is where the name “Navratan” comes from, as it translates to “nine gems.” The vegetables used in this dish include carrots, peas, bell peppers, cauliflower, potatoes, green beans, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), and sometimes even fruits like pineapple or raisins.
The dish is known for its flavorful and aromatic gravy, which is made by blending together a variety of spices, nuts, and yogurt. It is then simmered with the vegetables until they are cooked to perfection and absorb the flavors of the gravy. Navratan Korma is often served with rice or naan bread and is a favorite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike due to its rich taste and variety of vegetables. The creamy texture and combination of flavors make it a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for special occasions or as a main course for a family dinner.
Ingredients
The Navratan Korma recipe requires the following ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, green peas, cauliflower, beans, capsicum)
- 1 cup paneer (cottage cheese), cubed
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1/4 cup cashews, soaked in water
- 1/4 cup almonds, blanched and peeled
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup coconut, grated
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
These ingredients together create the rich and flavorful Navratan Korma dish. The combination of mixed vegetables and paneer adds texture and variety to the curry. The yogurt and cashews provide a creamy and slightly tangy taste, while the almonds and coconut add a subtle nuttiness to the dish. The spices like cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala give the curry its aromatic and warm flavors. The raisins and sugar add a touch of sweetness to balance out the spices. Salt is used to enhance the overall taste of the dish. Overall, these ingredients work together to create a delicious and satisfying Navratan Korma.
Step-by-Step Guide: Navratan Korma Recipe
Navratan Korma is a delicious and rich Indian dish that is made with a blend of vegetables in a creamy and flavorful sauce. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare this mouthwatering dish:
- Prepare the vegetables: Start by chopping the vegetables that you will be using in the Navratan Korma. You can use a combination of carrots, peas, beans, potatoes, cauliflower, and bell peppers. Make sure to wash and clean the vegetables before chopping them into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the sauce: In a pan, heat some oil and add cumin seeds. Once the seeds start to splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Then, add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute. Next, add tomato puree and cook until the raw smell disappears. Finally, add cashew paste, yogurt, and spices like turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the chopped vegetables to the sauce and mix well. Cover the pan and let the vegetables cook on low heat until they are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Finish with cream and garnish: Once the vegetables are cooked, add some fresh cream to the Navratan Korma and mix well. This will give the dish a rich and creamy texture. Finally, garnish the dish with some chopped coriander leaves and fried cashews.
Navratan Korma is now ready to be served. It can be enjoyed with naan bread, rice, or roti. The combination of flavors from the vegetables, spices, and creamy sauce makes this dish a true delight for your taste buds.
Tips from Professional Chefs for Making Navratan Korma
When making Navratan Korma, a delicious Indian vegetarian dish packed with vegetables and nuts in a creamy sauce, professional chefs recommend following these tips to enhance the flavors and achieve the perfect consistency:
- Use a variety of fresh vegetables: Navratan Korma traditionally includes nine vegetables, hence the name “Navratan” which means nine jewels. To make the dish more vibrant and nutritious, professional chefs suggest using a mix of vegetables such as carrots, peas, cauliflower, bell peppers, and green beans. This combination adds different textures and flavors to the dish.
- Toast and grind your spices: To bring out the aromatic flavors of the spices used in Navratan Korma, it is advisable to toast them lightly before grinding. This step enhances the depth of flavors and adds a rich aroma to the dish. Chefs recommend using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind the spices to a fine powder, ensuring even distribution throughout the sauce.
- Choose the right nuts for the creaminess: Nuts are an essential ingredient in Navratan Korma, as they provide a creamy texture and add richness to the dish. Professional chefs recommend using a combination of cashews and blanched almonds. Soaking the nuts in warm water before grinding helps in achieving a smooth and velvety consistency.
Remember, cooking Navratan Korma is all about layering flavors. Don’t rush the process and allow the spices and vegetables to simmer together to develop a harmonious blend. Taste and adjust the seasonings accordingly. Serve this flavorful dish with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
Reviews
As someone who enjoys trying out new recipes, I recently decided to give Navratan Korma a try. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! This traditional Indian dish is a true culinary masterpiece that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
The combination of flavors in Navratan Korma is simply divine. The rich and creamy sauce is made from a blend of cashews, almonds, and yogurt, giving it a smooth and velvety texture. The dish is also packed with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, peas, cauliflower, and bell peppers, making it a nutritious option as well.
One thing that really impressed me about Navratan Korma is the balance of spices. The dish is mildly spiced, allowing the flavors of the vegetables and the creamy sauce to shine through. The addition of aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon adds a subtle complexity to the dish without overpowering it.
Overall, Navratan Korma is a dish that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to explore the world of Indian cuisine. Its combination of flavors, textures, and spices make it a true delight for the taste buds. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for a delicious and wholesome meal, Navratan Korma is definitely a recipe worth trying.
As an adventurous cook, I am always on the lookout for new and interesting recipes to try. When I recently came across the recipe for Navratan Korma, I knew I had to give it a go. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
The flavor profile of Navratan Korma is simply out of this world. The combination of spices and ingredients creates a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors. The rich and creamy sauce is perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the dried fruits and the crunchiness of the nuts. It’s a dish that is both satisfying and comforting.
What I love about Navratan Korma is that it is a vegetarian dish that doesn’t feel like it’s missing anything. The vegetables and paneer provide a satisfying texture, while the spices bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. It’s a dish that is hearty enough to be a main course, yet light enough to leave you feeling satisfied without being overly full.
I highly recommend giving Navratan Korma a try if you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons. It’s a recipe that is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to take your taste buds on a journey they won’t soon forget!
I recently tried the delicious Navratan Korma recipe and I must say it exceeded my expectations. As someone who loves cooking and experimenting with different cuisines, I was excited to give this dish a try. The combination of vegetables and the creamy sauce made for a perfect balance of flavors.
The vegetables, including carrots, peas, cauliflower, and bell peppers, were cooked just right – they were tender but still had a slight crispiness to them. The sauce was the star of the dish, with its rich and creamy texture. The use of cashews and yogurt added a subtle nuttiness and tanginess to the korma, making it even more flavorful.
One thing that impressed me about this recipe was how easy it was to prepare. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and I was able to make the dish without any difficulties. The ingredients were also readily available in my local grocery store, so I didn’t have to go on a scavenger hunt to find them.
I served the Navratan Korma with basmati rice and some freshly baked naan bread. The combination was absolutely delightful and made for a satisfying meal. The dish was not overly spicy, which I appreciated, as it allowed the different flavors to shine through.
All in all, I highly recommend trying the Navratan Korma recipe. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that will impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or simply looking for a new recipe to try, this one is definitely worth a shot!
