Dry Navratan Korma Recipe: A Flavorful Mughlai Delight
Dry Navratan Korma, a delectable North Indian dish, is a beautiful medley of nine exquisite ingredients, combining vegetables, fruits, and nuts to create a semi-sweet and aromatic delight. Unlike its curry counterpart, this dry version highlights the richness of the spices and the creamy texture in a unique way, perfect for lunch or special occasions.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
Vegetables
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cauliflower (Gobi) | 1 | Cut into florets |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 2 | Diced into bite-size |
| Green Beans (French Beans) | 5 | Cut into bite-size |
| Green Peas (Matar) | 1/2 cup | Fresh or frozen |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1 | Diced into bite-size |
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 2 | Diced into bite-size |
Aromatics and Base
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Onions | 2 | Chopped |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece | Chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Chopped |
| Green Chilies | 2 | Chopped |
| Tomatoes | 2 | Pureed |
Spices
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 1/5 tbsp | Adds earthy flavors |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 tbsp | Or Kitchen King Masala |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 tsp | Adjust as per heat preference |
| Salt | To taste |
Whole Spices
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bay Leaves (Tej Patta) | 2 | Adds fragrance |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 | Aromatic base |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 | Warm, sweet aroma |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 1 tsp | Subtle aniseed flavor |
Additional Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 100 g | Cubed and fried |
| Fresh Cream | 1 cup | Adds creaminess |
| Cashew Nuts | 1/2 cup | Ground into a paste |
| Pineapple | 1/2 cup | Bite-size chunks |
| Anardana Powder | 1/2 cup | Pomegranate seed powder |
| Sultana Raisins | 2 tbsp | Natural sweetness |
| Cashew Nuts | Handful | Split, for garnish |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | Few sprigs | Fresh garnish |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Instructions
-
Preparation
Gather all ingredients and arrange them on the kitchen counter. Prepare the vegetables by chopping them into bite-size pieces, ensuring even cooking. -
-
Frying Paneer
Heat oil in a shallow frying pan and shallow fry the paneer cubes until golden and crisp. Remove and place them on a kitchen towel to drain excess oil. -
Cooking Aromatics
- In the same pan, add more oil if needed.
- Toss in bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and ajwain. Let them crackle for a few seconds.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Stir in ginger, garlic, and green chilies, and cook until the raw aroma disappears, and the mixture turns light brown.
-
Making the Base
- Pour in the tomato puree and cook until the raw smell fades.
- Mix in coriander powder, garam masala, and red chili powder. Stir well to combine.
-
Cooking Vegetables
- Add the chopped vegetables and green peas. Mix thoroughly to coat them with the spice base.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash of oil and stir.
-
Adding Creaminess
- Stir in the cashew paste and fresh cream. Mix until the vegetables are well-coated, and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add 1/2 cup of water and cover the pan with a lid. Let the vegetables cook on low flame for 7-8 minutes or until tender but not mushy.
-
Incorporating Nuts and Fruits
- Add raisins and split cashew nuts to the vegetable mix. Cook for a few more minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Toss in pineapple chunks and half the pomegranate powder. Stir gently to combine.
-
Finishing Touch
- Turn off the flame and top the dish with the fried paneer cubes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, split cashews, and a sprinkle of pomegranate pearls.
Serving Suggestions
Dry Navratan Korma pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it versatile for any meal. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Bread Options: Serve with soft Phulkas, buttery Naan, or Parathas.
- Rice Varieties: Accompany with fragrant Kashmiri Pulao or simple steamed basmati rice.
- Raita & Salad: Add a cooling Cucumber and Green Chili Raita or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Dal Combination: Pair with Dal Banjara for a hearty and wholesome experience.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Approximate Value per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fats | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures with this Dry Navratan Korma, a dish that celebrates the Mughlai tradition with a contemporary twist. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate, perfect for your next meal!
