There’s something magical about a dish that feels indulgent but doesn’t require a PhD in cooking. Chicken Korma, a star of Mughlai cuisine, is exactly that. Imagine tender chicken swimming in a velvety sauce made with coconut, almonds, and warm spices like cardamom and cinnamon. It’s rich but not heavy, fragrant but not overpowering—the kind of meal that impresses guests but is simple enough for a cozy Tuesday night.
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Your Shopping List (No Fancy Stuff, Promise!)
Serves 4 | Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins
Protein:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless chicken thighs (skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces) Thighs stay juicier than breasts!
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp garam masala (Everest or MDH brands are my go-to)
- 1/2 tsp salt
The Flavor Base:
- 3 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, slit (optional for heat)
Spices:
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 4 green cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
The Creamy Magic:
- 1/2 cup raw almonds (soaked in hot water for 30 mins, then peeled)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (full-fat for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or cashew cream for dairy-free)
- 1 cup water
- Salt to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Toasted almond slivers
- A squeeze of lime
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Prep Like a Pro (Even If You’re Not)
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix yogurt, turmeric, garam masala, and salt in a bowl. Add chicken, coat well, and let it sit for 15 mins (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Blitz the Almonds: Drain soaked almonds, blend with 2 tbsp water until smooth. Set aside.
- Chop & Measure: Prep onions, garlic, ginger, and chili. Keep spices handy—this moves fast!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Low and slow wins the flavor race.
- Toast the Spices: Heat ghee/oil in a deep pan on medium. Add cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaf. Sizzle for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add onions and cook 8-10 mins until golden. Stir in garlic, ginger, and chili. Cook 2 mins.
- Spice It Up: Add coriander powder. Stir 30 sec to toast the spices.
- Brown the Chicken: Add marinated chicken (shake off excess marinade). Sear 5 mins until lightly browned.
- Simmer to Perfection: Pour in almond paste, coconut milk, cream, and water. Mix well. Cover, simmer on low 20-25 mins until chicken is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish Strong: Taste and adjust salt. For extra richness, stir in 1 tbsp butter (optional).
Secret Tip: Let the curry rest for 10 mins off the heat before serving. The flavors meld beautifully!
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Serving Ideas (Because Presentation Matters)
- Classic Combo: Serve over fluffy basmati rice or with warm garlic naan.
- Garnish Galore: Sprinkle cilantro, almonds, and a lime wedge for brightness.
- Sides: Pair with cucumber raita (yogurt dip) or a simple salad.
Next-Level Hacks
- Vegetarian? Swap chicken with chickpeas and paneer.
- Extra Zing: Add 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek) at the end.
- Thicken It: Simmer uncovered for 5 mins if too thin.
In a Nutshell
Chicken Korma is your ticket to a restaurant-worthy meal without the hassle. Marinate, simmer, and let the spices work their magic. Fun fact: The dish dates back to Mughal emperors who demanded rich, aromatic dishes—so you’re basically eating royalty!
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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
Values vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ (Because We’ve All Got Questions)
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! Tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Nut-free option?
A: Replace almonds with 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or omit entirely—add 2 tbsp cashew butter for creaminess.
Q: Too spicy?
A: Skip the green chili and use mild garam masala.
Q: Freezer-friendly?
A: Yes! Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, reheat gently.
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Final Thought: Cooking is all about making it your own. Don’t stress over perfection—taste as you go, adjust, and enjoy the process. Now go forth and conquer that Korma! 🍛✨
