If you’re looking to indulge in a rich and flavorful dish, chicken korma is the perfect choice. This traditional Indian recipe features succulent chicken simmered in a creamy, aromatic sauce made with spices, yogurt, and nuts. It’s a favorite at family gatherings and celebrations, bringing warmth and comfort to the table. With a balance of spices and a touch of sweetness, chicken korma is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
– 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
– 2 onions, finely sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 inch ginger, grated
– 1 cup yogurt
– 1/2 cup cream
– 1/4 cup ground almonds
– 2 tsp garam masala
– 1 tsp turmeric
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp coriander
– 2-3 green chilies, slit
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, while cooking time is around 30-40 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approximately 250g) contains:
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 35g
– Fat: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 10g
– Fiber: 2g
This nutritional value is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for another minute.
4. Add chicken pieces, cooking until browned on all sides.
5. Mix in turmeric, cumin, coriander, and salt; cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Pour in yogurt, mixing well to coat the chicken.
7. Add ground almonds and green chilies; stir until combined.
8. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Once chicken is tender, add cream and garam masala.
10. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then garnish with cilantro.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version. Additionally, you can substitute chicken with paneer for a vegetarian option. Ground cashews can replace ground almonds for a nut-free version.
Serving and Pairings
Chicken korma pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a refreshing cucumber raita and a simple salad.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken korma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. This dish can also be frozen; ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken can make it tough; aim for just tender.
- Using too much yogurt can make the sauce too tangy; balance with cream.
- Not allowing the spices to bloom can result in a flat flavor.
- Skipping the marination step will lessen the flavor absorption.
- Forgetting to garnish can diminish the dish’s presentation.
Helpful Tips
- Marinate chicken overnight for better flavor.
- Use fresh spices for a more aromatic dish.
- Adjust spiciness by varying the number of green chilies.
- Blend the sauce for a smoother texture if desired.
- Garnish with fried onions for added crunch.
FAQs
What is chicken korma?
Chicken korma is a traditional Indian dish made with chicken cooked in a creamy, spiced sauce. It is known for its rich flavors, often enhanced with yogurt, cream, and a blend of spices.
Can chicken korma be made in advance?
Yes, chicken korma can be made in advance. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Is chicken korma spicy?
The spiciness of chicken korma can vary based on the amount of chilies used. Traditionally, it is mildly spiced, but you can adjust the heat level to your preference.
What can I use instead of chicken?
For a vegetarian option, paneer, tofu, or chickpeas can be used as alternatives to chicken in korma recipes.
How do I thicken the korma sauce?
To thicken the korma sauce, you can simmer it longer to reduce the liquid or add ground nuts like almonds or cashews, which also enhance the flavor.
Conclusion
Chicken korma is a delightful dish that brings together the rich culinary traditions of India. With its tender chicken pieces enveloped in a creamy, spiced sauce, it’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting family dinner. Try this recipe to experience the warmth and flavor of this classic dish!
Chicken Korma
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken cut into pieces
- 2 onions finely sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 inch ginger grated
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/4 cup ground almonds
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 2-3 green chilies slit
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for another minute.
- Add chicken pieces, cooking until browned on all sides.
- Mix in turmeric, cumin, coriander, and salt; cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in yogurt, mixing well to coat the chicken.
- Add ground almonds and green chilies; stir until combined.
- Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once chicken is tender, add cream and garam masala.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then garnish with cilantro.
Nutrition
