Vegetable Korma is a traditional Indian curry made with a variety of vegetables cooked in a rich, creamy, and mildly spiced sauce. It’s a comforting and wholesome dish, known for its vibrant flavors and aromatic blend of spices. Perfect for a family dinner or a festive meal, this curry is both satisfying and nourishing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy sauce made with coconut milk and cashew paste
- Packed with nutritious vegetables
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- Mild in heat but full of flavor
- Ideal for meal prepping and leftovers
- Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins
- Fragrant and inviting aroma from classic Indian spices
- Can be served with rice, naan, or roti
- Crowd-pleaser suitable for all ages
- Delicious both fresh and reheated
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Cauliflower florets
- Green beans
- Frozen peas
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Raw cashews
- Full-fat coconut milk
- Garam masala
- Curry powder
- Turmeric
- Ground coriander
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground cardamom
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Ground black pepper
- Salt
- Brown sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice or naan for serving
Directions
- Soak the Cashews: Place the raw cashews in hot water and let them soak for about 15 minutes.
- Boil the Vegetables: In a large pot, boil the carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, and green beans until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Base Puree: Blend the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, garlic, and ginger into a smooth paste.
- Cook the Masala: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the tomato-onion puree and cook for 2–3 minutes. Add all the ground spices and brown sugar, stirring well.
- Blend the Cashew Cream: Drain the soaked cashews and blend with coconut milk to form a smooth cream.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the cashew-coconut cream to the pan and mix. Then add the boiled vegetables and peas. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and serve hot with rice or naan.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add protein: Stir in tofu, chickpeas, or paneer for a protein boost
- Spice it up: Include green chilies or more cayenne pepper for a spicier version
- Nut-free option: Use sunflower seeds instead of cashews, or omit them entirely
- Alternative vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach work well too
- Low-fat version: Use light coconut milk or skip the coconut milk and use vegetable broth with a dash of plant-based cream
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce if needed
FAQs
What is Vegetable Korma?
Vegetable Korma is a creamy Indian curry made with a mix of vegetables and a blend of aromatic spices, often enriched with coconut milk and cashew paste.
Is Vegetable Korma spicy?
No, it is usually mild in heat. However, you can adjust the spice level by adding more chili or cayenne pepper.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses coconut milk and cashews instead of dairy.
What’s the best way to serve Vegetable Korma?
It pairs best with steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti. It can also be served with quinoa for a healthier twist.
Can I prepare Vegetable Korma ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have developed.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used. Just be sure to cook them until they are tender.
What if I don’t have cashews?
You can substitute with almonds or sunflower seeds. Alternatively, you can skip the nuts for a lighter version.
Is Vegetable Korma gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is completely gluten-free.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer the curry uncovered to reduce the liquid, or add a bit more blended cashew or coconut cream.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales well. Simply double the ingredients and adjust cooking times as needed.
Conclusion
Vegetable Korma is a wonderfully rich and comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Whether you are looking for a satisfying meatless meal or a colorful side for your Indian spread, this korma is sure to please. Its creamy texture and fragrant spices create a balanced dish that’s easy to customize and enjoyable for everyone.
Print
Vegetable Korma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Vegetable Korma is a rich, creamy Indian curry made with assorted vegetables, spices, and a luscious cashew-coconut-based sauce. It’s a popular vegetarian dish known for its mildly spiced and aromatic flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1/4 cup cashew nuts, soaked
- 1/4 cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 1/2 cup potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup water or as needed
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons cream (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan and sauté chopped onions until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add pureed tomatoes and cook until oil separates.
- Grind soaked cashew nuts and grated coconut into a smooth paste with a little water.
- Add the paste to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Mix in turmeric, garam masala, coriander, cumin, and red chili powder. Cook for a minute.
- Add all the chopped vegetables and mix well.
- Pour in water, cover, and cook on medium heat until vegetables are tender.
- Add salt and cream (if using), simmer for 2 more minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the chili powder.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can be used for convenience.
- For a vegan version, skip the cream or use coconut cream instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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