What is korma? Learn everything you need to know about Korma, a rich and creamy curry that's popular in Indian and Pakistani homes and restaurants. Get to know this mildly spiced curry from the Indian subcontinent, learn its origins, and discover what it tastes like.
Using these easy and authentic korma curry recipes and serving suggestions, master the art of making korma sauce, and enjoy an Indian feast in the comfort of your home!
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What is Korma?
The word "korma" comes from the Urdu word "kormah", meaning "braising." In this mild curry, found in most Indian and Pakistani restaurants, meat or vegetables are braised in yogurt, cream, or a nut paste, and seasoned with aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and coriander.
Korma is pronounced as "core-maa", and is also referred to as "kurma" in some western and southern parts of India.
Origin of Korma
Korma is a mildly spiced curry that originated in the Indian subcontinent during the Mughal era and can be traced back to the 16th century.
It is said that Korma curries were often prepared in the Mughal ruler's kitchens, and served during celebrations, festivities, and auspicious events.
It later spread across India and Pakistan, incorporating regional spices, and ingredients, and became one of the most popular curries from the Indian subcontinent.
Most north-Indian and Pakistani korma sauces use yogurt and/or a nut paste to achieve a silky-smooth texture, whereas southern-Indian korma recipes use coconut cream for the same purpose.
Korma Recipes
Here are some popular Indian Korma recipes that deliver traditional, authentic flavor with minimal effort. All these korma curries are simple and easy to make, with the signature slow-cooked flavors in a fraction of the time.
Chicken Korma
One of the most popular korma recipes, this Chicken korma is prepared in a South Indian style with coconut milk. This recipe also includes instructions for using yogurt instead. This light and mildly sweet curry can be made in under 30 minutes.
Chicken Korma- Instant Pot | Stove
Lamb Korma
In this recipe, Lamb korma, also known as Mutton Korma, is made by pressure cooking lamb pieces with yogurt or coconut milk and toasted garam masala. Pressure-cooking helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with aromatic spices.
Creamy Lamb Korma (Instant Pot)
Vegetable Korma
Hearty, creamy, and filled with vegetables, the rich korma sauce in the recipe is made with a spice paste of aromatics, tomatoes, cashews, and spices. It's perhaps the tastiest way to eat your vegetables!
Creamy Vegetable Korma
Navratan Korma
A rich vegetable curry made with nine ingredients. "Navratan" means "nine gems," and "korma" means a "braised stew," so this name literally translates to "braised stew of the nine gems."
You can find the recipe for this korma favorite in my cookbook on page 44: Electric Pressure Cooker Curry Cookbook
What to Eat with Korma?
Pair any of the following side dishes with your Korma and enjoy an authentic Indian feast in the comfort of your home. For your convenience, these sides are divided into flatbread, rice, and side dishes:
Flatbreads
Pair it with restaurant-style naan or homestyle roti or paratha:
Rice
Korma goes great with cumin or saffron rice. For a healthier option, pair with brown basmati rice or use Indian cauliflower rice for a low-carb/keto alternative:
Vegetable Side Dishes
Use these vegetable-based side dishes to complete your Indian feast:
Frequently Asked Questions
Korma sauce is made by sautéing aromatics with toasted mild spices including coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. The sauce gets its rich flavor by using either plain yogurt, heavy whipping cream, coconut cream or a nut paste.
Korma is a type of curry characterized by its rich, mildly sweet, and slightly spicy taste. Curry, on the other hand, refers to a generic form of curry typically made with an onion-tomato sauce called Bhuna masala.
Korma is known for its creamy, rich, and nutty flavor. The taste can be described as 'aromatic-spicy' rather than 'hot-spicy'. If you're new to Indian cuisine, this is the perfect mild curry to begin with.
I hope you try and enjoy these korma recipes. Don't forget to share your photos and tag us on Instagram or Facebook. And if there is a korma variation you would like to see on the blog, simply comment below!
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