Veg Korma

A rich and aromatic Mughlai-inspired dish, this Veg Korma has soft paneer cubes with mixed vegetables, simmered in a creamy, spiced cashew–coconut gravy. Mildly fragrant and full of flavor, it pairs perfectly with steamed rice, parathas, or naan.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 200 g Paneer (cubed) or 2 cups Mixed Vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, potato)
  • 2 medium Onions (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup Milk or Coconut Milk
  • 2 tbsp Cashew Nuts (chopped)
  • 5 Green Chillies (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Scraped Coconut
  • 1 tbsp Coriander Powder
  • 3 Cloves
  • 1-inch Cinnamon Stick
  • 2 Green Cardamoms
  • 1-inch Ginger (chopped)
  • 3 tbsp Ghee or Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp Coriander Leaves (chopped)

Method

  1. Preparation

    • Slice onions, chop ginger and green chillies.
    • Cut paneer into cubes or prepare mixed vegetables (parboil if needed).
  2. Preparing the Masala Paste

    • Grind green chillies, coconut, coriander powder, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and turmeric into a smooth paste using a little water.
  3. Frying Cashews

    • Heat ghee in a pan and fry chopped cashews until light golden.
    • Remove and set aside.
  4. Preparing the Base Gravy

    • In the same pan, sauté sliced onions until light brown.
    • Add the prepared masala paste and cook until ghee separates and the mixture turns aromatic.
  5. Adding Liquid

    • Add milk or coconut milk and about 1/2 cup water.
    • Mix well and bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Adding Paneer / Vegetables

    • Add paneer cubes or cooked vegetables.
    • Simmer for 5–7 minutes on low flame until the gravy thickens and flavors blend well.
  7. Finishing

    • Add salt and mix gently.
    • Garnish with fried cashews and chopped coriander leaves.

Tips

  • Add a tablespoon of cream or extra coconut milk for richer texture.
  • Lightly fry paneer cubes before adding for better texture.
  • Adjust spice by increasing or reducing green chillies.
  • You can also use tofu instead of paneer for a vegan version.