Authentic Korma Curry Paste
This Authentic Korma Curry Paste is a rich and aromatic blend of spices and herbs, perfect for creating flavorful Indian dishes such as chicken, lamb, vegetables, or even soups. Inspired by traditional recipes, this paste captures the essence of Indian cuisine, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. With just a cup of this concentrated paste, you can elevate your meals and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of Korma any day of the week. Ideal for meal prep, this paste can be stored in the fridge or frozen for later use.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cumin seeds
2 teaspoons (dry roasted)
Coriander seed
1 teaspoon (dry roasted)
Garlic cloves
2 (peeled and sliced)
Ginger
4 cm piece (peeled and finely grated)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Garam masala
1 teaspoon (ground)
Sea salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Grapeseed oil
2 tablespoons (for blending)
Tomato puree
1 tablespoon (for blending)
Green chilies
2 (seeded and finely sliced)
Desiccated coconut
3 tablespoons (for blending)
Ground almonds
2 tablespoons (for blending)
Fresh coriander (cilantro)
1 small bunch (stalks and leaves chopped)
Instructions
1
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cumin and coriander seeds for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly darker in color. Remove from the heat to cool.
2
Transfer the cooled toasted seeds to a food processor or mortar and pestle. Add the sliced garlic, grated ginger, cayenne pepper, garam masala, sea salt, grapeseed oil, tomato puree, sliced green chilies, desiccated coconut, ground almonds, and chopped fresh coriander.
3
Blend or grind the ingredients until a smooth paste forms. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water or oil to achieve the desired consistency.
4
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or spices if necessary. Your Korma curry paste is now ready to use in your favorite dishes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Korma Curry Paste?
It is a rich and aromatic blend of spices, herbs, nuts, and coconut used as a concentrated base for creating traditional Indian Korma dishes.
How do I use this Korma paste?
You can use approximately one cup of this paste to flavor chicken, lamb, vegetables, or soups by simmering it with your main ingredients and liquid like coconut milk or cream.
Is this Korma curry paste recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the paste itself is entirely vegetarian and vegan-friendly as it contains only plant-based ingredients.
How should I store the homemade curry paste?
The paste can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for short-term use or frozen for longer storage.
Can I freeze Korma curry paste?
Yes, this paste is ideal for meal prep and can be frozen in portions for later use.
What are the main ingredients in this Korma paste?
The key ingredients include cumin and coriander seeds, garlic, ginger, garam masala, desiccated coconut, ground almonds, and fresh coriander.
Do I need to toast the spices?
Yes, toasting the cumin and coriander seeds for 2-3 minutes in a dry skillet is essential to release their fragrance and deepen the flavor.
What can I use if I do not have a food processor?
You can use a mortar and pestle to grind the ingredients into a smooth paste manually.
Is this Korma paste spicy?
It offers a balance of sweetness and spice. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper and green chilies.
Can I substitute the grapeseed oil?
Yes, any neutral-flavored oil can be used for blending the paste.
What is the role of ground almonds in the recipe?
Ground almonds provide a signature richness and help thicken the sauce when the paste is cooked.
Can I use tomato paste instead of tomato puree?
Yes, tomato paste can be used as a substitute for tomato puree to provide the necessary acidity and binding.
How much paste does this recipe produce?
This recipe produces approximately one cup of concentrated Korma curry paste.
Why should I include coriander stalks?
Coriander stalks contain a lot of concentrated flavor and aroma that enhances the overall profile of the paste.
Can I use this for a vegan curry?
Absolutely, this paste is perfect for vegan vegetable curries or tofu dishes.
How do I achieve a smoother consistency?
If the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of water or extra oil during the blending process.
What type of ginger is best for this recipe?
Fresh ginger root that has been peeled and finely grated provides the best aromatic quality.
Can I use ground cumin instead of seeds?
While seeds are preferred for toasting, you can use ground cumin if necessary, though the flavor profile may be slightly less complex.
What kind of chilies should I use?
The recipe calls for green chilies, seeded and finely sliced, to provide a fresh heat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients list, this Korma curry paste is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use this paste for soup?
Yes, it is a great way to add an Indian-inspired flavor base to various vegetable or meat-based soups.
What does Garam Masala add to the paste?
Garam Masala is a warming spice blend that adds depth and traditional Indian flavors to the Korma base.
Should I remove the seeds from the green chilies?
Yes, the recipe recommends seeding the chilies to control the heat level, though you can leave them in if you prefer it spicier.
How long does it take to make the paste?
The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, including toasting the seeds and blending the ingredients.
Can I double the recipe for bulk meal prep?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch for the freezer.
What is the purpose of desiccated coconut?
Desiccated coconut adds a subtle sweetness and a unique texture characteristic of traditional Korma.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
Taste the finished paste and add more sea salt or specific spices according to your personal preference.
Can I use this for lamb Korma?
Yes, this paste is highly versatile and pairs excellently with the richness of lamb.
Does this paste contain dairy?
No, this paste is dairy-free. Dairy elements like cream or yogurt are typically added later when cooking the final dish.
Is this an authentic recipe?
Yes, it is inspired by traditional Indian recipes using whole spices and classic aromatics like ginger, garlic, and nuts.