Dry Navratan Korma Recipe: A North Indian Delight
Embark on a culinary journey with Dry Navratan Korma, a richly flavored vegetarian dish that brings together an array of colorful vegetables, succulent paneer, and a medley of aromatic spices. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also adds a vibrant touch to your dining table.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this exquisite dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cabbage | 1 small, cut into small pieces |
| Carrots | 2, finely chopped |
| Green beans | 5, chopped |
| Green chilies | 1/2 cup |
| Capsicum (Green Bell Pepper) | 1, chopped |
| Potatoes | 2, sliced |
| Onions | 2, chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, chopped |
| Green chilies | 2, chopped |
| Tomatoes | 2, pureed |
| Coriander powder | 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Oil | as needed |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Cinnamon | 1 stick |
| Cardamom | 2 pods |
| Celery (Ajwain) | 1 teaspoon |
| Paneer (Cottage Cheese) | 100 grams, cut into small pieces |
| Butter | 1 cup |
| Cashew nuts | 1/2 cup, blended into paste |
| Pineapple | 1/2 cup, cut into small pieces |
| Pomegranate seeds | 1/2 cup |
| Raisins | 2 tablespoons |
| Additional cashew nuts | a handful for garnish |
| Fresh coriander leaves | a few for garnishing |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 20 |
| Cooking | 20 |
| Total | 40 |
Servings
| Serving Size | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Serves | 4 |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Begin your culinary adventure by preparing all your ingredients. Chop, slice, and measure everything out to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Fry the Paneer
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently add the paneer pieces. Fry them until they turn golden brown, ensuring they cook evenly on all sides. Once done, remove them from the pan and place them on a tissue to absorb any excess oil.
Step 3: Sauté Whole Spices
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and celery. Sauté these whole spices for about 10 seconds, allowing their fragrant aromas to infuse the oil.
Step 4: Cook the Onions
Add the chopped onions to the pan and cook them until they become soft and translucent. This step is crucial, as the onions will form the flavor base for your korma.
Step 5: Add Ginger, Garlic, and Green Chilies
Once the onions are cooked, stir in the ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chilies. Sauté this mixture for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Incorporate Tomato Puree
Next, pour in the tomato puree and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. This will add a rich, tangy flavor to your korma and enhance its color.
Step 7: Mix in the Vegetables
Now, add all the chopped vegetables—cabbage, carrots, green beans, capsicum, and potatoes—into the pan. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the vegetables in the aromatic mixture.
Step 8: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Allow the vegetables to cook for an additional 5 minutes, letting the spices infuse their flavors.
Step 9: Add Cashew Paste and Butter
Stir in the cashew paste and butter, mixing well until everything is incorporated. This will give your korma a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Step 10: Simmer with Water
Pour in 1/2 cup of water and cover the pan. Let the mixture simmer for 7 to 8 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to blend harmoniously.
Step 11: Final Touches
Once the vegetables are tender, add the raisins and cashews. After a minute, introduce the pineapple and pomegranate seeds. Gently fold in the fried paneer pieces and give everything a final toss.
Step 12: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve your delectable Dry Navratan Korma warm with soft Phulka, Panchmel Dal, and Bundi Raita for a wholesome meal that will delight your family and guests alike.
Conclusion
This Dry Navratan Korma is not just a dish; it’s an experience, filled with the vibrant flavors of India. Each bite takes you on a culinary journey, showcasing the richness of North Indian cuisine. Ideal for family gatherings or special occasions, this korma is sure to impress. Enjoy the love and warmth this recipe brings to your table!
Feel free to adjust any details or add your personal touch to make this recipe your own!
