Paneer Korma is a rich, creamy North Indian curry made with soft paneer cubes cooked in a mildly spiced gravy of nuts, yogurt, and aromatic spices. It belongs to the Mughlai cuisine tradition, known for luxurious dishes prepared with cream, nuts, and fragrant spices.
The gravy in paneer korma is usually lightly spiced, slightly sweet, and very creamy, made with ingredients like cashews, almonds, onions, yogurt, and spices.
This dish is perfect for special dinners, festive meals, or restaurant-style cooking at home, and it pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or basmati rice.
π Quick Recipe Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Paneer Korma |
| Cuisine | Mughlai / North Indian |
| Course | Main Course |
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 3β4 people |
| Difficulty | Medium |
β¨ About Paneer Korma
βKormaβ refers to a braised curry dish prepared with yogurt, spices, and sometimes nut pastes to create a thick gravy.
Paneer Korma is the vegetarian adaptation of traditional Mughlai korma recipes. It features:
- Soft paneer cubes
- Creamy cashew or almond gravy
- Mild spices and aromatic herbs
The dish is famous for its nutty flavor, mild heat, and smooth texture, making it ideal for people who prefer creamy curries instead of spicy ones.
π Ingredients List
For Paneer Korma
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer cubes | 250 g |
| Oil or ghee | 2 tbsp |
| Onion (sliced) | 1 large |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1 tsp |
| Cashews | 10β12 |
| Almonds (optional) | 6β8 |
| Yogurt | Β½ cup |
| Fresh cream | ΒΌ cup |
| Turmeric powder | ΒΌ tsp |
| Coriander powder | 1 tsp |
| Garam masala | Β½ tsp |
| Green chilli | 1 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
| Fresh coriander | For garnish |
π¨βπ³ Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Step 1 β Prepare the Nut Paste
Soak cashews and almonds in warm water for 10β15 minutes.
Blend them with a little water into a smooth paste.
Step 2 β Cook the Onion Base
Heat oil or ghee in a pan.
Add sliced onions and sautΓ© until soft.
Add ginger garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
Step 3 β Add Yogurt and Spices
Add:
- turmeric powder
- coriander powder
- green chilli
- salt
Then add yogurt slowly while stirring to prevent curdling.
Cook for 3β4 minutes.
Step 4 β Add Nut Paste
Add the prepared cashew-almond paste.
Mix well and cook for 5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Step 5 β Add Paneer
Add paneer cubes and mix gently.
Add a little water if needed and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 6 β Final Creamy Touch
Add:
- fresh cream
- garam masala
Mix gently and cook for another minute.
Step 7 β Garnish
Top with fresh coriander leaves and a drizzle of cream.
Serve hot.
π‘ Pro Cooking Tips
β Use fresh soft paneer for best texture.
β Always cook yogurt on low heat to avoid curdling.
β Add cashew paste for creamy restaurant-style gravy.
β Use ghee for authentic Mughlai flavor.
β Do not overcook paneer to keep it soft.
π₯ Serving Suggestions
Paneer Korma tastes best with:
- Butter Naan
- Tandoori Roti
- Lachha Paratha
- Jeera Rice
- Veg Pulao
You can also serve it with onion salad and lemon wedges.
π§Ύ Nutrition Information (Approx)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 330β380 kcal |
| Protein | 14β16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12β15 g |
| Fat | 24β28 g |
| Calcium | High |
Paneer and nuts provide protein, calcium, and healthy fats, making this curry rich and satisfying.
π₯ Watch Full Recipe Video
Paneer Korma Mughlai Style Recipe
β Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1οΈβ£ What makes Paneer Korma different from Paneer Butter Masala?
Paneer Korma uses nuts and yogurt for a creamy white gravy, while Paneer Butter Masala usually uses tomatoes and butter for a reddish gravy.
2οΈβ£ Is Paneer Korma spicy?
No. Korma dishes are usually mild and creamy with very little heat.
3οΈβ£ Can Paneer Korma be made vegan?
Yes. Replace paneer with tofu and use coconut milk instead of cream.
4οΈβ£ Can I add vegetables to Paneer Korma?
Yes. Vegetables like peas, carrots, and beans can be added for variation.
π§‘ Final Thoughts
Paneer Korma is a luxurious Mughlai-style curry known for its creamy texture, mild spices, and rich nutty flavor. Whether served for festivals, dinner parties, or weekend meals, it delivers restaurant-style indulgence right in your home kitchen.
Enjoy this smooth, aromatic vegetarian curry with warm naan or fragrant basmati rice for a truly satisfying meal.
β οΈ Disclaimer:
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
