Indian Chicken Korma is a popular dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is a flavorful and mildly spiced curry that is known for its rich and creamy texture. The history of Indian Chicken Korma is intertwined with the broader history of Indian cuisine.
The word “korma” is derived from the Turkish word “kavurma,” which means braising. The dish is believed to have been brought to the Indian subcontinent by the Mughals, who were known for their elaborate and rich culinary traditions. The Mughal emperors, who ruled India from the early 16th to the mid-19th century, had a significant influence on Indian cuisine, introducing new ingredients, cooking techniques, and a love for rich and aromatic dishes.
Indian Chicken Korma is often associated with the royal kitchens of the Mughal emperors. The dish typically consists of meat (such as chicken) braised in a mixture of yoghurt or cream, nuts (such as almonds or cashews), and aromatic spices. The use of yoghurt or cream gives the curry its creamy consistency, while the combination of spices adds depth and flavour.
Over time, Indian Chicken Korma has evolved, and various regional variations have emerged. Different regions in the Indian subcontinent have put their own spin on the dish, incorporating local ingredients and culinary traditions. Today, Indian Chicken Korma is enjoyed not only in India but also in various parts of the world, as Indian cuisine has gained popularity globally.
It’s worth noting that there are also variations of Korma in other cuisines. For example, in Pakistani cuisine, there’s a similar dish called “Qorma,” and in Central Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines, there are variations like “Kavurma” and “Khoresh.” Each version has its unique blend of flavours and ingredients.
In summary, Indian Chicken Korma has a history rooted in the Mughal culinary traditions and has since become a beloved and widely appreciated dish with regional variations across the Indian subcontinent and beyond.
The ingredients we need to prepare Indian Chicken Korma are as follows:
Ingredients:
- 500 gm bone-in chicken
- 1 tbsp refined oil
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 10-12 cashew nuts to make a smooth paste
- 2 tbsp curd
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 cup onion paste
- 1 tsp rose water
- 1 tsp kewra water
- 2-3 drops mitha attar
- a pinch of saffron
Instructions:
Making of the pastes:
Take a blender jar. Add 10-12 cashew nuts in that jar and a little water to make a smooth paste. Keep it aside. Now take 2 large onions and cut them into pieces. Add the onion pieces to the jar and make a fine paste. Keep it separate. Next, take 2 tbsp curd and whisk it in a small bowl. Keep it aside. We are going to use these pastes and the whisked curd for marination of the chicken.
Marinating the chicken:
Firstly, cut the chicken into pieces and wash them properly. Then drain the water and put the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Marinate the chicken with red chilli powder, garam masala powder, ginger-garlic paste, cashew nut paste, curd, onion paste, rose water, kewra water, mitha attar and a pinch of saffron. Keep the chicken marinated for 6 to 8 hours. If you are cooking this chicken today, then keep the chicken marinated overnight and keep it in the refrigerator. Before cooking the chicken, bring it to room temperature so that the chicken becomes tender and is ready to cook.
How to cook the chicken:
Heat a frying pan and add refined oil and ghee. Then add the marinated chicken pieces. Stir in between and flip over the chicken pieces so that both sides of the chicken get cooked nicely.
Garnishing Indian Chicken Korma is a delightful way to enhance its presentation and flavour. Follow these simple steps for an appealing garnish:
- Fresh Herbs:
- Chop fresh cilantro or mint leaves finely.
- Nuts:
- Toast and slice almonds or cashews.
- Dried Fruits:
- Use plump raisins or sultanas.
- Cream or Yogurt Swirl:
- Drizzle a bit of cream or yoghurt over the dish.
- Spice Dusting:
- Sprinkle a pinch of garam masala.
- Fried Onions:
- Garnish with crispy fried onions.
- Lemon or Lime Wedges:
- Serve with lemon or lime wedges on the side.
Just before serving, artfully arrange these elements on top of the Chicken Korma to create a visually appealing and flavorful dish. Enjoy the vibrant colours and textures that the garnishes bring to this classic Indian curry.
Indian Chicken Korma pairs well with a variety of accompaniments that complement its rich and flavorful profile. Here are some traditional and popular choices:
- Rice:
- Basmati Rice: Fragrant and long-grain basmati rice is a classic accompaniment to Chicken Korma. The mild flavour and fluffy texture of basmati rice work well with the creamy curry.
- Pulao or Biryani: You can also serve Chicken Korma with a fragrant pulao or biryani. These rice dishes are flavoured with aromatic spices and may include ingredients like fried onions, raisins, or nuts.
- Bread:
- Naan: Soft and fluffy naan bread is a popular choice to scoop up the delicious Korma sauce. Garlic naan or plain naan works well.
- Roti or Chapati: These whole wheat flatbreads are a healthier alternative and complement the richness of Chicken Korma.
- Paratha: Stuffed or plain parathas, which are flaky, layered flatbreads, can also be served with Chicken Korma.
- Side Dishes:
- Raita: A cool and refreshing yoghurt-based side dish with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and mint can balance the richness of the Korma.
- Salad: A simple green salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and lettuce dressed with a light vinaigrette can provide a fresh contrast.
- Chutney:
- Mango Chutney: The sweetness of mango chutney can add a delightful contrast to the savoury and creamy Chicken Korma.
- Mint Chutney: A minty and tangy chutney can provide a burst of freshness.
- Pickles:
- Lime or Mango Pickle: A small serving of tangy lime or mango pickle can add a punch of flavor to the meal.
- Desserts:
- Gulab Jamun or Kheer: A sweet dessert like Gulab Jamun (deep-fried milk dumplings soaked in sugar syrup) or Kheer (rice pudding) can be a satisfying way to end the meal.
Experiment with these options to create a balanced and enjoyable dining experience with your Chicken Korma.