Navratan Korma Recipe: A Luxurious and Flavorful Indian Curry

Navratan Korma Recipe: Navratan Korma is a rich, creamy curry known for its luxurious blend of vegetables, dry fruits, and exotic spices. This mildly sweet, flavorful dish holds a special place in Indian cuisine, often gracing festive tables or being served on special occasions like Diwali and Holi. The term “Navratan” translates to “nine jewels” in Hindi, a tribute to Emperor Akbar’s nine courtiers, and traditionally signifies the nine main ingredients or “jewels” used in the recipe. This vegetarian version of Navratan Korma brings together mixed vegetables, nuts, seeds, yogurt, and cream to create a wholesome, royal dish perfect for sharing with loved ones.

What is Navratan Korma Recipe?

Navratan Korma is a classic Mughlai-inspired curry dish, known for its creamy texture and slightly sweet taste. The richness comes from a base of yogurt, cream, and a unique nut-and-seed paste made from almonds, cashews, poppy seeds, and melon seeds. It’s packed with a colorful variety of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, green peas, and bell peppers. A distinctive aspect of this dish is the addition of fruits like pineapple or pomegranate, adding a subtle sweetness and unique flavor to the creamy curry.

This recipe, which has been adapted from the renowned chef Jiggs Kalra’s collection, offers a vegetarian version of Navratan Korma. The end result is a delicious, rich, and creamy dish that pairs beautifully with tandoori roti, naan, or steamed rice. Navratan Korma Recipe

About This Navratan Korma Recipe

While the recipe sounds complex, it’s surprisingly easy to make. After preparing a nut and seed paste, the curry is assembled by first sautéing spices, onions, and the paste. Then yogurt and cream are added, followed by the vegetables. Finally, the dish is garnished with a mix of nuts and seeds, plus a few herbs and fruits for a touch of freshness and sweetness. Adding pineapple to the garnish adds a pop of flavor, but it’s optional for those who prefer a purely savory taste. Navratan Korma Recipe

With its mix of nine “jewels,” including nuts, fruits, and a variety of vegetables, this dish offers a balanced nutritional profile. Cream, yogurt, and a rich paste of seeds and nuts make this curry luxurious and satisfying.

Ingredients: Navratan Korma Recipe

Vegetables

• Carrots – 2 medium, chopped (about ½ cup)
• Green Peas – ½ cup, fresh or frozen
• Potatoes – 1 large, chopped (¾ cup)
• Green Beans – ¼ cup, chopped
• Cauliflower – 1 cup, optional
• Baby Corn – 8-9, chopped, optional

Other Ingredients

• Onions – 2 medium, thinly sliced
• Green Chilies – 2-3, chopped
• Ginger Garlic Paste – ½ tbsp
• Yogurt – ½ cup, whisked
• Cream – ⅓ cup, or 3-4 tbsp whipping cream
• Garam Masala – ¼ to ½ tsp
• Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
• Red Chili Powder – 1 tsp
• Ghee – 2 tbsp

Nuts and Seeds Paste

• Poppy Seeds – 1 tbsp
• Almonds – 10-12, peeled after soaking
• Cashews – 10-12
• Melon Seeds – 1 tbsp
• Water – ¼ cup for grinding

Whole Spices

• Green Cardamom – 2-3
• Black Cardamom – 1
• Cloves – 3
• Cinnamon Stick – 1 inch
• Bay Leaf – 1
• Mace Strands – 2

Garnish

• Ghee – 1 tbsp
• Blanched Almonds – 6-7
• Pistachios – 10
• Cashews – 10
• Walnut Halves – 10
• Raisins – 1 tbsp
• Pineapple – ½ cup, chopped
• Mint Leaves – 1 tbsp
• Saffron Strands – a pinch
• Ginger Julienne – 2 tsp

Navratan Korma Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Nuts and Seeds Paste

1. Soak poppy seeds, almonds, cashews, and melon seeds in hot water for about 30-40 minutes.
2. Peel the soaked almonds, and blend all soaked nuts and seeds with ¼ cup water to a smooth paste.

Step 2: Cooking Navratan Korma

1. In a pan, heat 2 tbsp ghee and add the whole spices. Sauté until aromatic.
2. Add sliced onions, and sauté till golden brown.
3. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chili. Cook until the raw aroma fades.
4. Add the nuts and seeds paste, followed by the beaten yogurt. Mix well.
5. Add turmeric and red chili powder, and cook for 3-4 minutes on low heat.
6. Add the vegetables and 1 cup water. Cover and cook until the veggies are tender.

Step 3: Preparing the Garnish

1. Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a small pan. Sauté blanched almonds, pistachios, cashews, and walnuts until golden.
2. Add raisins, melon seeds, pineapple, mint, saffron, and ginger julienne. Sauté briefly.

Final Touch

1. When the veggies are done, add cream and garam masala to the korma. Stir well and adjust salt.
2. Garnish with the sautéed nuts, seeds, and pineapple mixture.
3. Serve hot with naan, tandoori roti, or basmati rice.

FAQs About Navratan Korma Recipe

Why is it called “Navratan” Korma?

“Navratan” means “nine jewels,” which refers to the nine key ingredients or garnishes in the dish. Traditionally, it includes a combination of nine vegetables, nuts, or fruits.

Can I skip the pineapple in Navratan Korma?

Yes, pineapple is optional and is added mainly for a hint of sweetness. If you prefer a purely savory taste, you can replace it with other fruits like pomegranate or simply skip it.

What vegetables work best in Navratan Korma?

Common choices include carrots, potatoes, peas, green beans, cauliflower, and bell peppers. You can mix and match according to your preference or availability. Navratan Korma Recipe

How do I avoid a bitter taste when adding pineapple?

Pineapple can turn bitter if mixed with yogurt and cooked for too long. To avoid this, add it as a garnish just before serving, instead of cooking it in the korma.

What is the best way to serve Navratan Korma?

Navratan Korma pairs beautifully with Indian bread like naan, tandoori roti, or parathas. It also goes well with steamed basmati or jeera rice.