Chicken Korma


 Cuisine: Indian  Type: Entree

Chicken Korma : Entree in Indian cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Chicken
500 grams (500)
Yogurt
1 cup (240)
Onion
2 medium (300)
Ginger
1 inch (6)
Garlic
4 cloves (12)
Garam Masala
1 teaspoon (2)
Turmeric
1 teaspoon (2)
Coriander Powder
1 teaspoon (2)
Cumin Powder
1 teaspoon (2)
Cardamom Pods
4 whole (2)
Cinnamon Stick
1 inch (2)
Bay Leaf
2 whole (1)
Cashew Nuts
10 whole (10)
Cream
1 cup (240)
Oil
2 tablespoon (28)
Salt
1 teaspoon (6)
Water
1 cup (240)
 Totals
56 oz (1,595 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Chicken
250
Yogurt
150
Onion
40
Ginger
20
Garlic
10
Ghee
120
Cashews
100
Almonds
80
Coconut Milk
120
Spices
30
Salt
0
Sugar
0
Coriander Leaves
5
 Totals
925 kcal

 Steps 


Step 1: Heat oil in a large pan or kadai over medium heat.
Step 2: Add whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves to the hot oil. Sauté for a few seconds until they become aromatic.
Step 3: Add finely chopped onions to the pan and cook until they turn golden brown.
Step 4: Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
Step 5: Add tomato puree to the pan and cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
Step 6: Now, add powdered spices like turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix well and cook for a minute.
Step 7: Add bone-in chicken pieces to the pan and coat them well with the spice mixture. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken starts to brown.
Step 8: Pour in enough water to cover the chicken pieces. Add salt to taste and stir well.
Step 9: Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 10: In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt and a little water until smooth. Add this yogurt mixture to the pan and mix well.
Step 11: Continue to cook the chicken korma for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
Step 12: Finally, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and switch off the heat.
Step 13: Serve the chicken korma hot with rice, naan, or roti. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Korma!

 Substitutions 


Substitutions/Alterations for Chicken Korma:

1. Chicken: Substitute with tofu or paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Adjust cooking time accordingly as these substitutes require less cooking time compared to chicken.

2. Yogurt: Substitute with coconut milk or cashew cream. Adjust the quantity to achieve the desired consistency and taste.

3. Ghee: Substitute with vegetable oil or butter. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

4. Onion: Substitute with shallots or leeks. Adjust the quantity according to personal preference.

5. Garlic and Ginger: Substitute with garlic and ginger paste. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

6. Ground Spices (such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cardamom): Substitute with curry powder or garam masala. Adjust the quantity to taste.

7. Tomato: Substitute with tomato puree or canned diced tomatoes. Adjust the quantity according to personal preference.

8. Fresh Coriander: Substitute with dried coriander leaves (cilantro) or parsley. Use half the quantity of dried coriander compared to fresh coriander.

9. Fresh Green Chilies: Substitute with red chili flakes or chili powder. Adjust the quantity based on desired spiciness.

10. Cream: Substitute with coconut cream or almond milk. Adjust the quantity for desired richness.

Remember to adjust the cooking time and quantity of substitutes based on personal taste preferences.

 Pairings 


- Naan bread
- Basmati rice
- Vegetable biryani
- Raita (yogurt sauce)
- Mango chutney
- Papadums (crispy lentil wafers)
- Samosas
- Tandoori chicken
- Cucumber salad
- Mint chutney
- Masala chai (spiced tea)
- Lassi (yogurt-based drink)
- Mango lassi
- Indian pickles
- Pappadums with mint sauce

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions on top.
- Serve the Chicken Korma in a shallow bowl or on a decorative plate for an elegant look.
- Add a drizzle of yogurt or cream in a swirl pattern on top of the dish.

2. Improve the texture/flavor profile:
- Toast and grind whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves to enhance the aroma.
- Add a handful of toasted cashews or almonds for a crunchy element.
- Sauté onions until caramelized for a deeper flavor.
- Use homemade garam masala instead of store-bought for a more complex taste.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Substitute regular chicken with organic or free-range chicken for a richer taste.
- Replace regular yogurt with Greek yogurt or full-fat yogurt for a creamier texture.
- Add a tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) for a luxurious and buttery flavor.
- Sprinkle some saffron strands on top of the dish for a touch of opulence.

 Diet Restrictions 


- Use skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken with skin to reduce saturated fat intake.
- Substitute full-fat coconut milk with light coconut milk to reduce calorie and fat content.
- Replace ghee (clarified butter) with a healthier cooking oil like olive oil or coconut oil to reduce saturated fat.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to lower the calorie and fat content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or carrots to add more fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe to make it suitable for individuals with high blood pressure or sodium restrictions.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or make your own broth with reduced salt content to control sodium intake.
- Add spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic for their anti-inflammatory properties and potential health benefits.
- Serve with whole grain options like brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
- Adjust the spice level according to personal preferences or dietary restrictions, such as reducing chili powder for individuals with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use skinless chicken breast instead of chicken with skin to reduce saturated fat content.
- Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calorie and fat intake.
- Add a variety of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and peas for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce the amount of oil used for cooking by opting for healthier alternatives like olive oil or coconut oil.
- Use whole spices and herbs instead of pre-packaged spice mixes to avoid added sodium and preservatives.
- Serve the dish with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for higher fiber content.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves for added flavor and antioxidants.
- Limit the amount of salt used and enhance the taste with lemon juice or vinegar instead.
- Opt for homemade chicken stock or low-sodium broth instead of store-bought options to control sodium intake.
- Consider adding turmeric, ginger, or garlic for their potential health benefits.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use boneless chicken: Opt for boneless chicken pieces to save time on deboning and reduce cooking time.
2. Pre-made spice mix: Consider using pre-made spice mixes or curry powders specifically for Chicken Korma to save time on measuring and blending individual spices.
3. Use yogurt: Replace heavy cream with yogurt to achieve a creamy texture, reducing cost and cooking time.
4. Skip marination: If short on time, you can skip marinating the chicken, as the flavors will still infuse during the cooking process.
5. Use pre-cut vegetables: Purchase pre-cut vegetables, like onions and bell peppers, to save time on chopping.
6. Canned tomatoes: Substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes to save time on peeling and chopping.
7. Pressure cooker: Utilize a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time significantly while retaining flavors.
8. Frozen ginger-garlic paste: Use store-bought frozen ginger-garlic paste instead of freshly minced to save time on preparation.
9. Bulk cooking: Prepare a larger quantity of Chicken Korma and freeze individual portions for future use, saving time and effort on multiple cooking sessions.
10. Serve with rice or naan: Accompany the Chicken Korma with rice or naan bread, which are cost-effective and easy to prepare.