Golden Saffron Chicken Korma
This luxurious Golden Saffron Chicken Korma is a fragrant and rich dish that embodies the art of traditional Indian cooking. Korma refers to a slow-cooking technique where chicken is braised in a medley of spices, allowing the meat to absorb the full depth of flavors. The addition of saffron infuses the dish with a stunning golden hue and a delicate aroma, while creamy yogurt and cashew nuts create a velvety sauce that envelops every bite. Ideal for special occasions or gatherings, this korma pairs perfectly with fragrant basmati rice, making it a delightful centerpiece for any meal.
6
Servings
700
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken pieces
3 lbs (Cleaned and excess fat removed)
ginger paste
2 teaspoons (Freshly made)
garlic paste
2 teaspoons (Freshly made)
cashew nuts
1/2 cup (Soaked and blended)
water
1/2 cup (To blend with nuts)
ghee
2 tablespoons (Melted)
onion
1 (Finely chopped)
cardamom pods
4 (Whole)
cloves
4 (Whole)
cinnamon sticks
3 (Whole)
coriander powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (Ground)
cumin seed
1 teaspoon (Whole)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (Ground)
cumin powder
1 teaspoon (Ground)
garam masala
1 teaspoon (Ground)
cream
1/2 cup (Warmed to tepid)
plain yogurt
1/2 cup (Beaten)
cilantro
1/4 cup (Freshly chopped)
saffron
several strands (Soaked in warm cream)
salt
as desired (To taste)
Instructions
1
Rinse and clean the chicken, removing any excess fat. Pat dry with paper towels.
2
In a blender, combine ginger paste, garlic paste, cashew nuts, and water. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.
3
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat ghee over medium heat. Once hot, add finely chopped onions. Sauté until they become golden brown and aromatic.
4
Add the whole spices: cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Then, stir in coriander powder, cumin powder, chili powder, garam masala, and cumin seeds. Cook the spices for a few minutes until they darken and release their fragrance.
5
Incorporate the cashew-garlic mixture into the pot and let it cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
Add the chicken pieces to the pot, ensuring they are well coated with the spice mixture. Season with salt to taste.
7
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chicken braise in its spices for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8
Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, beat the yogurt in a separate bowl and add it gradually to the pot, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.
9
When the chicken is tender and fully cooked, gently stir in the warmed cream along with the soaked saffron strands and freshly chopped cilantro.
10
Allow the dish to simmer gently for an additional 5-8 minutes, making sure the flavors meld beautifully.
11
Serve hot with fragrant basmati rice, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
45g
Fat
30g
Carbs
40g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Saffron Chicken Korma?
Golden Saffron Chicken Korma is a luxurious Indian dish where chicken is braised in a rich sauce of saffron, yogurt, and cashews.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains 700 calories.
What is the main protein source for this korma?
The dish uses 3 lbs of chicken pieces with the fat removed.
What gives the korma its signature golden color?
The golden hue is created by adding saffron strands soaked in warm cream.
What does the term Korma refer to?
Korma refers to a traditional Indian slow-cooking technique where meat is braised in a medley of spices.
What ingredients are used to make the base paste?
The base paste is a smooth blend of ginger paste, garlic paste, cashew nuts, and water.
How long should the chicken be braised?
The chicken should braise on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes.
Can I use ghee for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of melted ghee to sauté the onions.
Which whole spices are included in the dish?
The whole spices used are cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon sticks.
How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling in the sauce?
Beat the yogurt in a separate bowl first and add it gradually while stirring continuously.
Is this Chicken Korma considered spicy?
The dish is tagged as spicy but is balanced by creamy elements like yogurt and cream.
What is the recommended side dish for Golden Saffron Chicken Korma?
It pairs perfectly with fragrant basmati rice.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 45g of fat in each serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 40g of protein.
How should the cashew nuts be prepared?
The cashew nuts should be soaked and then blended into a smooth paste.
What is the final simmering time?
After adding the cream and saffron, the dish should simmer gently for 5 to 8 minutes.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, provided the chicken is fully thawed, cleaned, and patted dry before use.
What type of rice is best for this meal?
Fragrant basmati rice is the ideal accompaniment for this dish.
How much ginger paste is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of freshly made ginger paste.
How much garlic paste is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of freshly made garlic paste.
Which ground spices are used in the spice mixture?
The ground spices include coriander powder, cumin powder, chili powder, and garam masala.
Is cream a necessary ingredient?
The cream is used to create a velvety sauce and to infuse the saffron flavor.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 20 ingredients used in this recipe.
How should the onion be cut?
The onion should be finely chopped before being sautéed until golden brown.
When is the saffron added to the pot?
Saffron is added toward the end of the process, stirred in with the warmed cream.
Is this korma suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its luxurious texture and fragrance make it a great centerpiece for gatherings.
What is the total cooking time for the chicken pieces?
The chicken cooks for approximately 25 to 33 minutes in total across the braising and simmering stages.
What garnish is recommended for the final dish?
The dish should be garnished with freshly chopped cilantro.