Navratan Korma

Navratan Korma is a classic Indian dish known for its rich and flavorful combination of vegetables, nuts, and fruits. This vegetarian dish is a popular choice for special occasions and festivities due to its unique blend of ingredients and exotic taste. In this blog post, we will explore the step-by-step instructions to create this delicious and indulgent Navratan Korma recipe. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out with Indian cuisine, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Let's dive into the details of creating this exquisite dish!

What Is Navratan Korma?

• Navratan Korma is a delicious Indian dish that combines succulent paneer cubes, mixed vegetables, and a variety of dry fruits and nuts, all cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy. This dish is known for its unique combination of main ingredients and the use of aromatic Indian spices and seasoning, making it a popular choice for special occasions and gatherings. The creamy and indulgent texture, along with the blend of sweet and savory flavors, makes Navratan Korma a standout dish in Indian cuisine.

Why You'll Love Navratan Korma?

• Rich and Creamy Texture: Navratan korma has a rich and creamy texture, thanks to the blend of nuts, cream, and fruits used in the recipe. The combination of different textures creates a delightful eating experience.
• Packed with Nutrients: The dish is packed with a variety of vegetables, fruits, and nuts, making it a nutritious option for a balanced meal. The vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, while the nuts offer healthy fats and protein.
• Good for Digestion: The combination of vegetables and fruits in navratan korma provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and helps in maintaining a healthy gut.
• Promotes Weight Management: The dish is a great option for those looking to manage their weight, as it is rich in nutrients, low in unhealthy fats, and contains a good amount of fiber, which helps in keeping you full for longer.
• Enhances Immune System: The variety of fruits and vegetables used in the dish are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, which can help in boosting the immune system and protecting the body against diseases.
• Suitable for Special Occasions: Navratan korma is a perfect dish for special occasions and gatherings, as it is visually appealing and offers a unique blend of flavors and textures that will impress your guests.

Ingredients for Navratan Korma

• Onions: Onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, providing a solid base for the other ingredients to build upon.
• Cashew Nuts: Cashew nuts give the korma a rich, creamy texture and a subtle nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Green Chilies: Green chilies add a spicy and fiery kick to the korma, balancing out the sweetness of the fruits and the richness of the nuts.
• Ginger and Garlic Paste: The combination of ginger and garlic paste adds a depth of flavor and aroma to the korma, enriching the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Carrot: Carrots bring a natural sweetness and a vibrant color to the korma, while also offering a slight crunch in every bite.
• Green Beans: Green beans provide a slight crunch and a fresh vegetable flavor to the korma, balancing out the richness of the nuts and the creaminess of the sauce.

How To Make Navratan Korma?

If you want to make a delicious Navratan Korma, follow these step-by-step instructions for a flavorful experience.

• First, soak paneer cubes in hot water until you cook it to ensure they are soft and ready to be added to the dish.
• Next, cut all the vegetables in cube sizes and onions in lengthwise to ensure even cooking and a good presentation.
• Stir-fry the paneer cubes until they become golden brown, then remove them and add in the dry fruits. Fry the dry fruits until they are nicely browned to bring out their rich flavors.
• Wash the cauliflower florets in hot water and drain them to ensure they are clean before cooking.
• Steam cook all the vegetables in a steamer until they are half cooked. This step will ensure the vegetables are tender but still have a slight crunch.
• Cook the onions and cashews with 1/2 cup of water until the cashews are slightly tender. Then, drain the water and cool it for a few minutes before blending until smooth. This step will create a creamy base for the korma.
• Heat a pan with oil, add all the ingredients for tempering, and fry until they start to splutter. This step is essential for infusing the oil with the flavors of the spices.
• Add chopped green chilies and ginger garlic paste, and fry until the raw smell goes away. This step is important for adding depth of flavor to the dish.
• Pour 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil before adding all the steamed veggies. Cook them for 3 minutes until they are fully cooked, then add the fried paneer cubes, nuts, and raisins. This step will allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich, aromatic dish.
• When the gravy becomes thick, add saffron, milk or cream, and mix well until combined. This step will add a creamy richness to the korma.
• Finally, add white pepper powder and sugar, mix well, and switch off the heat. Add all the fruits and serve immediately for a dish that is bursting with flavor and texture.

By following these steps, you can create a delicious Navratan Korma that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Basmati Rice: Navratan korma is best enjoyed with fragrant and fluffy basmati rice to soak up the rich and flavorful sauce.
• Accompany with Naan or Roti: Add some Indian bread like naan or roti to your meal for a delightful and filling dining experience.
• Serve with Raita: The cool and refreshing yogurt-based raita makes a perfect side dish to balance the heat and spice of the navratan korma.
• Include a Side Salad: A fresh and crispy side salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and lettuce can provide a nice contrast to the creamy and savory korma.
• Pair with Mango Chutney: A sweet and tangy mango chutney can add a burst of flavor to the meal, complementing the richness of the korma.
• Finish with Dessert: Complete the meal with a traditional Indian dessert like gulab jamun or kheer for a satisfyingly sweet ending.

Tips for Making Navratan Korma

• Preparation Duration: This recipe requires some prep work, such as cutting the vegetables and soaking the paneer cubes. Allow yourself about 20-30 minutes for the preparation before starting the cooking process.
• Cooking techniques: To achieve the best results, make sure to stir-fry the paneer cubes until they are golden brown for added flavor and texture. Additionally, steaming the vegetables before adding them to the curry ensures they are perfectly cooked and retain their nutrients.
• Importance of Garnishing: Garnishing plays a crucial role in enhancing the presentation of Navratan Korma. Adding fruits like pineapple, apple, and pomegranate seeds not only adds a pop of color but also brings a delightful contrast of flavors to the dish.
• Balancing Flavors: When preparing the curry paste, be sure to fry the spices until their raw smell disappears. This step is essential for achieving a flavorful and well-balanced Navratan Korma.
• Thickening the Gravy: To achieve the right consistency for the curry, allow the gravy to thicken by simmering it. Once the gravy has thickened, add saffron, milk or cream to create a rich and creamy texture.
• Serving Suggestions: For a delicious and satisfying meal, serve the Navratan Korma immediately after adding the fruits. This dish pairs well with freshly cooked rice or Indian bread like naan or roti.

Variations for Navratan Korma

• Add More Vegetables: You can experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potato to add more variety and color to your Navratan Korma.
• Use Different Nuts: Instead of the traditional cashews, almonds, and pistachios, try using walnuts or macadamia nuts for a different texture and flavor profile.
• Include Tofu or Chickpeas: For a vegetarian or vegan twist, consider adding tofu or chickpeas to the dish for some added protein and texture.
• Spice it Up: If you like your korma on the spicier side, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapenos for an extra kick.
• Coconut Milk: For a creamier and slightly sweeter variation, you can substitute the milk or cream with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
• Experiment with Fruits: While the traditional recipe calls for pineapple and apple pieces, feel free to add your favorite fruits such as mango, papaya, or even dried apricots for a unique touch.

Feel free to get creative with the Navratan Korma recipe and make it your own by trying out these different variations!

How to Store Navratan Korma

• Store the paneer: To maintain the freshness of the paneer, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. This will prevent it from drying out and losing its texture.
• Keep the nuts and raisins fresh: Store the mixed nuts and raisins in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. You can also refrigerate them to keep them fresh for a longer period of time.
• Store the fruits separately: Keep the pineapple, apple pieces, and pomegranate seeds in separate containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Preserve the spices: Store the spices like white or black pepper powder, garam masala powder, and saffron in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to maintain their flavor and potency.
• Keep the vegetables fresh: After steaming the vegetables, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and crisp. This will prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Reheat before serving: When you're ready to enjoy the leftover Navratan Korma, reheat it in a pan or microwave until it's heated through. This will help retain the flavors and textures of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Navratan Korma spicy?

• No, Navratan Korma is not traditionally spicy. However, you can adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer green chilies according to your preference.

Can I make Navratan Korma without nuts?

• Yes, you can make Navratan Korma without nuts if you have allergies or dietary restrictions. Simply omit the nuts and adjust the other ingredients to your liking.

Can I make Navratan Korma without cream?

• Yes, you can make Navratan Korma without cream. You can use milk as a substitute or even opt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk for a creamy texture.

Can I add more vegetables to Navratan Korma?

• Absolutely! You can customize Navratan Korma by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach to enhance the dish with additional flavors and textures.

How do I store leftover Navratan Korma?

• Leftover Navratan Korma can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can I make Navratan Korma in advance?

• Yes, you can prepare Navratan Korma in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop and add fresh fruits for a delightful and flavorful dish.

Recipe Card

Navratan Korma 2017-01-16 06:23:39

Serves 3                             Print        

Prep Time   00:15        

Cook Time   00:25        

Total Time   00:40

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized onions, sliced
• 8 cashew nuts
• 2 green chilies
• 1 tsp ginger and garlic paste          

Vegetables

• 1 medium-sized carrot
• 4 green beans
• 1 small potato
• 5 florets cauliflower
• 1/4 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp chopped mixed nuts (cashews, almonds and pistachios)
• 20 raisins
• 150 grams paneer cubes
• 1/2 cup pineapple and apple pieces
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 tsp white or black pepper powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 14 tsp garam masala powder          

To temper

• 2 tbsp oil
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cardamoms
• 2 cloves
• 1 small piece of cinnamon stick
• 2 tbsp milk cream
• pinch of saffron          

Instructions

• Soak paneer cubes in hot water until you cook it.
• Then cut all vegetables in cube size and onions in lengthwise.
• Stir-fry paneer cubes until they become golden brown, remove them and add in dry fruits, fry them until browned.
• Then wash cauliflower florets in hot water and drain them.
• Finally, steam cook all the vegetables in a steamer until half cooked.          

For the onion paste

• Cook the onions and cashews with 1/2 cup of water until cashews are slightly tender.
• Then drain the water and cool it for few mins.
• Place it in a blender and blend until smooth, keep it aside.          

How to cook Navratan Korma

• Then heat a pan with oil, add all the ingredients for temper and fry until spluttering.
• Also add chopped green chilies and ginger garlic paste, fry until raw small leaves.
• Then place the ground paste, stir-fry until it begins to leave the pan.
• Furthermore, add coriander powder and garam masala powder along with salt, stir-fry for 30 seconds until its raw smell goes.
• Then pour 1 cup of water and bring it to boil.
• Now add all the steamed veggies and cook them for 3 mins until the veggies are fully cooked. Then add the fried paneer cubes, nuts and raisins.
• When the gravy becomes thick, add saffron, milk or cream and mix well until combined.
• Then add white pepper powder and sugar, mix well.
• Switch off the heat and finally, add all the fruits and serve immediately.         
• By Santhi Therese    The Indian Claypot
• https://theindianclaypot.com/