Tantalizing Creamy Paneer Korma

We all enjoy paneer and I make it quite often. We enjoy it in various recipes, but one of our all-time favorite is this paneer korma recipe. It is rich, creamy, delicate, aromatic, luxurious, and oh, so delicious! We never get enough of it. The creaminess comes from the cashew nuts and the richness from the coconut milk that is added to the curry to make it perfectly irresistible.

The Ingredients for Creamy Paneer Korma

So many delicious ingredients are used in this Indian curry.

Ingredients List for this Indian Curry:

• 1 onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 inch ginger
• 1 chili
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1/2 cup raw cashew nuts
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 large tomato
• 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk
• 4 tablespoons thick yogurt
• salt to taste
• 1 package of paneer (450 grams)
• 1 cup frozen or fresh peas
• 1 cup chopped carrots

---

More Entree Recipes you will Like:

---

The Cashew Nuts

In order to get a smooth creamy rich paneer korma, we need to use some fresh cashew nuts. Let’s start by soaking the cashew nuts in some water – just enough water to cover them. Allow them to soak for about 10 minutes then drain the liquid (reserve the liquid for later use).

Using a food processor or blender puree them. Do not turn them into a paste, instead puree them so they are a little grainy. I find that gives the korma a better taste.

The Masala for this Vegetarian Indian Curry

Now we can start working on the “masala”. Let’s start by using a blender or food processor to blend the onions, garlic, ginger, and chili. You can seed the chili if you prefer a milder korma. You can add a tablespoon of water to the processor if needed. Pour the oil into a large pot or pan and heat over medium heat. Add the onion puree to the pan and cook for about 7-8 minutes. Be careful when you add the puree to the pan. It will splatter, so keep a lid handy just while adding the puree. Remove the lid once the onion puree is added to the pan.

Once the onions etc., have cooked, the oil will start to separate a little from the puree. Slice and add the mushrooms (if using) to the pan and toss for about a minute only. We do not want the mushrooms to get soggy. Now we can add the pureed cashew nuts and cook for about 1 – 2 minutes. This will allow the cashew nuts to get a little nuttier and the liquid to dry up.

Adding the Spices to Creamy Paneer Korma

It’s time to add the spices to the pan. Add the curry powder, turmeric, cayenne, garam masala, cardamom powder, cumin powder, and brown sugar to the pan. Mix well and cook for about one minute. Using the food processor, puree the tomato as well and add it to the pan. Cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the liquid has mostly dried up and the oil starts to separate from the “masala”.

In a small bowl combine the coconut milk and the yogurt and add them to the pan. Also, add the salt at this point. Mix well again so that it becomes one homogenous mixture. We can add the vegetables to the pan at this point. Chop the carrots into small pieces and add them to the pan and allow them to cook for about 4 or so minutes – until they start to get a little tender. Cover the pan with a lid to help the carrots cook. I use baby cut carrots because they cook faster.

The Paneer

Chop the paneer into cubes and add it to the pan and mix so that the cubes are well coated with the spice mix. Add the reserved water in which the cashew nuts were soaked (about 1/2 cup). Cover the pan again and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Now we can add the peas and cook for another 2 minutes or so uncovered. Just to allow the peas to soften a little. If the gravy is too thick, you can add a few tablespoons of water to thin it out before you add the peas. If it’s too thin, then cook it uncovered for a few minutes to allow the liquid to evaporate.

Serving suggestions:

Malai kofta can be served with a variety of things:

• Rice – basmati long grain rice – plain or cumin rice.
• Roti (Indian flat bread) – made with a blend of whole wheat and white flour.
• Naan – garlic or plain naan.
• Paratha – pan fried flatbread. Plain or stuffed.

Stay Connected

If you like the recipe please leave a comment below. Don’t forget to sign up for the free newsletter and be the first to learn about all my new recipes. And, don’t forget to follow me on my social media accounts:
Facebook,  Instagram,  Pinterest, and Twitter

 

Don’t forget to follow me

Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.