Navratan Korma Recipe – Royal Mughlai Style Vegetarian Curry

Navratan Korma is a rich, creamy, and mildly spiced Mughlai curry made with nine different vegetables, fruits, and nuts — hence the name “Navratan,” which means “nine gems” in Hindi. This dish is a celebration of colors, flavors, and textures, featuring a perfect blend of sweetness from fruits, richness from nuts, and spiciness from aromatic Indian spices.

A classic Navratan Korma is a royal delicacy that originated in the Mughal kitchens and has now become a popular dish in Indian restaurants worldwide. This vegetarian curry is perfect for festive occasions, weddings, and dinner parties and pairs beautifully with naan, roti, paratha, or jeera rice.

Ingredients for Navratan Korma

Main Vegetables (Choose Any for Variety)

• ½ cup carrots (diced)

• ½ cup green beans (cut into 1-inch pieces)

• ½ cup green peas

• ½ cup cauliflower florets

• ½ cup capsicum (diced)

• ½ cup potato (diced and boiled)

• ½ cup paneer (cubed and lightly fried)

• ¼ cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

• ¼ cup apple (chopped, optional)

For the Curry Base

• 2 tbsp ghee or oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 2 medium onions (finely chopped)

• 2 medium tomatoes (pureed)

• 1-inch ginger piece

• 6–7 garlic cloves

• 2 green chilies

• 12–15 cashew nuts (soaked in warm water)

• 2 tbsp melon seeds (magaz), optional

Whole Spices

• 1 bay leaf

• 1-inch cinnamon stick

• 2 green cardamoms

• 3–4 cloves

• 4–5 black peppercorns

Ground Spices

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• ½ tsp cumin powder

• 1 tsp garam masala powder

• ½ tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

• Salt to taste

• 1 tsp sugar or honey (optional)

For Garnishing

• 2 tbsp fresh cream

• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

• 1 tbsp raisins

• 1 tbsp cashew halves

• Pomegranate seeds (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Step 1: Prepare Vegetables

1. Wash and dice all vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.

2. Boil carrots, beans, peas, cauliflower, and potatoes in salted water until tender but not mushy.

3. Drain and keep aside.

4. Lightly fry paneer cubes in a teaspoon of ghee until golden; keep aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Curry Paste

1. Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a pan.

2. Add onions, ginger, garlic, and green chilies; sauté until onions turn light golden.

3. Add soaked cashews and melon seeds; sauté for 2–3 minutes.

4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.

5. Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.

6. Blend the mixture into a smooth paste using a little water.

Step 3: Cook the Navratan Korma Gravy

1. In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp ghee and 1 tbsp butter.

2. Add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamoms, cloves, and peppercorns; sauté until aromatic.

3. Add the prepared paste and cook for 4–5 minutes on medium heat.

4. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt.

5. Stir well and add ½ cup water or milk for a smooth consistency.

6. Simmer for 5 minutes until oil starts to separate.

Step 4: Add Vegetables & Paneer

1. Add boiled vegetables and fried paneer to the gravy.

2. Mix gently so the vegetables retain their shape.

3. Add pineapple chunks and apple pieces (optional for sweetness).

4. Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi.

5. Add sugar or honey if you prefer a mild sweetness.

Step 5: Finish with Cream & Nuts

1. Stir in fresh cream for richness.

2. Add raisins and cashew halves.

3. Cook for another 2 minutes and turn off the heat.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and pomegranate seeds.

2. Serve hot with butter naan, tandoori roti, laccha paratha, or steamed basmati rice.

Nutrition Facts (Approx. per Serving)

(Values may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.)

Interesting Facts about Navratan Korma

1. Name Origin – “Navratan” means “nine gems,” referring to the nine ingredients traditionally used in this royal dish.

2. Mughlai Influence – The recipe has roots in Mughal cuisine, known for its creamy and nut-based gravies.

3. Sweet & Savory Combination – The mix of fruits and vegetables makes it unique compared to other Indian curries.

4. Customizable Recipe – You can change the choice of vegetables or fruits based on availability and preference.

5. Festive Special – Commonly served during Diwali, weddings, and special dinner menus in restaurants.

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