Chicken Korma: A Mild and Creamy Delight

Chicken Korma is a classic Indian dish known for its rich, creamy, and mildly spiced sauce. This dish features tender chicken pieces cooked in a luxurious sauce made with yogurt, cream, ground almonds, and a blend of aromatic spices. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a milder curry with a rich and velvety texture.

Chicken Korma Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken, cut into pieces
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 3 tablespoons ground almonds
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Saffron strands soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm milk (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Sliced almonds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Onions:
    • Heat the vegetable oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
  2. Add Garlic and Ginger:
    • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the onions and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the Spices:
    • Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and ground cloves. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly to toast the spices.
  4. Add the Chicken:
    • Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook on high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to brown the chicken.
  5. Add Ground Almonds and Yogurt:
    • Lower the heat to medium and stir in the ground almonds and plain yogurt. Cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the yogurt to thicken and coat the chicken pieces.
  6. Add Cream and Saffron Milk:
    • Stir in the heavy cream and saffron milk (if using). Simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is rich and creamy.
  7. Adjust Seasoning:
    • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
  8. Finish with Cilantro:
    • Stir in the chopped cilantro and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  9. Serve:
    • Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced almonds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or roti.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Korma is best enjoyed with steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti. A side of cucumber raita or a green salad complements the rich and creamy flavors of the curry.

Conclusion

Chicken Korma is a mild, rich, and creamy dish that brings the luxurious flavors of Indian cuisine to your table. Perfect for any occasion, this curry is sure to impress with its velvety texture and aromatic spices.