Kurma, also known as Korma, is a popular dish in Indian cuisine. It is a creamy and flavorful curry dish that is typically made with a variety of spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat. The word "korma" is derived from the Urdu word for "braising" which refers to the cooking method used to make this dish. This rich and aromatic dish is a staple in many Indian households and is often served during special occasions or festivals. In this article, we will explore the history of Indian kurma, its main ingredients, and a simple and delicious recipe for you to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, Minced Ginger
This classic Indian chicken korma recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to make an authentic dish at home. Tender chicken is simmered in a creamy, spiced sauce made with a blend of aromatic spices, yogurt, and cashews. The result is a dish that is both rich and comforting, perfect for a cozy night in.
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Indian Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Extra Virgin Olive
Bold flavors and creamy textures are the hallmark of this Indian chicken korma recipe. The chicken is marinated in a fragrant spice blend before being cooked in a creamy sauce made with coconut milk, almonds, and aromatic spices. Serve with basmati rice and naan bread for a complete meal.
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Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Tomato Passata, Garlic, Ginger, Garam
A simplified version of the traditional Indian korma, this recipe is perfect for those short on time but still craving all the flavors of this beloved dish. This version uses a store-bought korma paste to cut down on prep time, but still delivers on taste with tender chicken and a creamy sauce made with coconut milk and spices.
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Easy Indian Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Cashews, Coconut Milk, Heavy Cream, Oil, Onion, Fresh
This super easy chicken korma recipe is perfect for beginners or for those looking for a quick and delicious meal. The chicken is cooked in a creamy sauce made with a combination of yogurt and coconut milk, and flavored with a blend of spices including cumin, coriander, and garam masala.
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Vegetable Korma - Vegan Indian Side Dish
Main Ingredients: Button Mushrooms, Potatoes, Onion, Carrots, Frozen
For our vegan friends, this vegetable korma recipe is a must-try. A medley of vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, and green beans, are cooked in a creamy sauce made with cashews, coconut milk, and a blend of Indian spices. This dish is perfect as a side dish or as a main meal served with rice or naan bread.
No list of Indian recipes would be complete without butter chicken, and this recipe is a standout. This dish features tender chicken cooked in a rich, buttery sauce made with creamy tomato puree and fragrant spices. Serve with basmati rice and naan bread for a meal that will impress even the pickiest of eaters.
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Navratan Korma (Vegetable Korma)
Main Ingredients: Vegetables, Potato, Ghee, Cumin Seed, Onions, Garlic
This vegetarian korma recipe is a delightful mix of vegetables, fruits, and nuts cooked in a creamy, spicy sauce. The name of this dish, Navratan, means "nine gems," which refers to the nine different ingredients used in this recipe. With its colorful presentation and bold flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
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Authentic Homemade Indian Lamb Korma
Main Ingredients: Green Cardamom Pods, Coriander Seeds, Cumin Seeds
If you're a fan of lamb, then this lamb korma recipe is a must-try. Tender pieces of lamb are braised in a rich, spiced sauce made with yogurt, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices. The result is a dish that is hearty and full of flavor, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
This vegetable korma recipe is a vegetarian twist on the classic Indian dish. A variety of vegetables, including cauliflower, carrots, and peas, are cooked in a creamy sauce made with cashews, coconut milk, and a blend of aromatic spices. This dish is sure to satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
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Vegetable Korma
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Onion, Fresh Ginger Root, Garlic
This vegetable korma recipe is a great option for those looking for a healthier version of the classic Indian dish. A medley of vegetables is cooked in a creamy sauce made with yogurt and a blend of spices including turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Serve with rice or naan bread for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Indian Lamb Korma
Main Ingredients: Yogurt, Salt, Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander, Cayenne
This Indian lamb korma recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Tender pieces of lamb are cooked in a creamy, spiced sauce made with yogurt, cashews, and a blend of aromatic spices. Serve with rice and naan bread for a complete meal.
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Creamy Tofu Korma Curry
Main Ingredients: Cumin Seeds, Coriander Seeds, Red Onion, Garlic Cloves
For our vegetarian and vegan friends, this tofu korma curry is a delicious and healthy alternative to the classic Indian dish. Cubes of tofu are simmered in a creamy, spiced sauce made with coconut milk, cashews, and a blend of aromatic spices. Serve with rice or naan bread for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Paneer Korma
Main Ingredients: Clove, Cinnamon, Black Peppercorns, Green Cardamom
This paneer korma recipe is a vegetarian version of the classic Indian dish. Cubes of paneer cheese are cooked in a creamy sauce made with yogurt, cashews, and a blend of aromatic spices. The result is a dish that is rich and flavorful, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
This Indian shrimp curry recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of korma. Tender shrimp is cooked in a creamy sauce made with coconut milk, cashews, and a blend of aromatic spices. Serve with rice or naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Indian Chickpea Coconut Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Curry
This Indian chickpea coconut curry recipe is a flavorful and healthy twist on the classic korma dish. Chickpeas are cooked in a creamy sauce made with coconut milk, cashews, and a blend of aromatic spices. Serve with rice or naan bread for a satisfying and hearty meal.
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Vegan Korma
Main Ingredients: Raw Cashews, Coconut Milk, Olive Oil, Onion, Crushed
This vegan korma recipe is a delicious and healthy option for those looking to enjoy the flavors of korma without the meat. A variety of vegetables, including sweet potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower, are cooked in a creamy sauce made with coconut milk, cashews, and a blend of aromatic spices. Serve with rice or naan bread for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Belly-Warming Indian Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, Ginger, Garlic
This belly-warming Indian chicken korma recipe is perfect for a cold winter night. Tender chicken is cooked in a rich, spiced sauce made with coconut milk, cashews, and a blend of aromatic spices. The result is a dish that is both comforting and full of flavor.
This easy Indian chana masala recipe is a delicious and healthy option for those looking to enjoy the flavors of Indian cuisine. Chickpeas are simmered in a spicy, tomato-based sauce made with a blend of aromatic spices. Serve with rice or naan bread for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Favorite Indian Lentils and Spinach (Dal Palak)
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Baby Spinach Leaves, Water, Salt, Ground
This Indian lentils and spinach recipe, also known as dal palak, is a delicious and healthy option for vegetarians and vegans. Lentils are cooked in a flavorful sauce made with spinach, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. Serve with rice or naan bread for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
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Indian Buttered Chicken with Yogurt Flatbread
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Butter, Garam Masala, Red Onion
This Indian buttered chicken recipe is a delicious and unique twist on the classic dish. Tender chicken is cooked in a creamy, spiced sauce made with butter, yogurt, and a blend of aromatic spices. Serve with yogurt flatbread for a meal that is sure to impress.
The History of Indian Kurma
Origins
The origins of Indian kurma can be traced back to the Mughal era in the 16th century. The Mughals were known for their extravagant and luxurious lifestyle, which was reflected in their food as well. They brought with them the technique of slow cooking or "dum" cooking, which is used in making kurma. This technique involves cooking the meat or vegetables on low heat for a long period of time, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify.
Influence of Persian Cuisine
During the Mughal rule, Persian cuisine heavily influenced Indian cuisine. The use of rich spices and nuts, like almonds and cashews, became popular in Indian cooking. This influence can also be seen in the use of saffron, a popular Persian spice, in Indian kurma. The creamy texture of the dish is also attributed to the Persian influence, as they were known for their use of dairy products in their cooking.
Regional Variations
As with most Indian dishes, kurma has many regional variations. In South India, coconut is often used in the preparation of kurma, giving it a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. In North India, the dish is made with a thicker and richer gravy, often incorporating yogurt or cream. Some regions also add fruits, such as pineapple or apricots, to the dish to add a hint of sweetness.
The Main Ingredients
Spices: The key to a delicious kurma is the balance of spices used in the dish. Some of the main spices used in kurma are cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.
Meat or Vegetables: While traditionally kurma is made with meat, such as chicken or lamb, there are also many vegetarian versions of the dish. Common vegetables used in kurma include potatoes, carrots, and peas.
Nuts and Dairy: As mentioned before, nuts and dairy play a crucial role in giving kurma its rich and creamy texture. Almonds, cashews, and coconut milk are often used in the preparation of this dish.
An Easy Recipe to Try at Home
Now that we have explored the history and main ingredients of Indian kurma, here is a simple and delicious recipe for you to try at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (or vegetables of your choice)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- Salt to taste
- Oil for cooking
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a pan, heat oil and add the chopped onions. Cook until they turn golden brown.
2. Add the ginger and garlic paste, and cook for a minute.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
4. Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala powder. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
5. Add the chicken (or vegetables) and mix well with the masala. Cover and let it cook for 10-15 minutes.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, add the yogurt and coconut milk. Mix well and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
7. Add the chopped almonds and salt to taste. Cook for a few more minutes until the gravy thickens.
8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or naan.
In conclusion, Indian kurma is a dish that has a rich history and is loved by many for its flavorful and creamy taste. With its origins in the Mughal era and influence from Persian cuisine, kurma has evolved into many regional variations and remains a popular dish in Indian households. So, why not try making this delicious dish at home and enjoy the flavors of India in your own kitchen!
