Restaurant-Style Navratan Korma Recipe You Can Easily Cook at Home

Navratan Korma is a rich, mildly sweet and creamy North Indian curry made with mixed vegetables, fruits, and nuts. The name literally means “nine gems,” referring to the variety of ingredients used in it. Traditionally associated with royal Mughlai cuisine, this dish is perfect for festive meals, special dinners, or when you want something indulgent yet comforting.

Ingredients

For the curry base:

• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 large onion (finely chopped or paste)
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 10-12 cashews (soaked)
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional, soaked)
• 1/2 cup fresh cream or thick curd
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)

For the 'navratan' mix:

• 1/2 cup paneer cubes
• 1/2 cup boiled potato cubes
• 1/2 cup carrot (lightly boiled)
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 8-10 cashews
• 8-10 almonds (soaked and peeled)
• 1/4 cup pineapple pieces (optional but traditional in many versions)
• 1/4 cup raisins

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the base paste

Soak cashews (and poppy seeds if using) in warm water for 15-20 minutes. Blend them into a smooth paste. This gives the korma its rich, creamy texture.

2. Cook the masala

Heat ghee in a pan. Add onions and sauté until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until raw smell disappears. Then add tomato puree and cook until oil starts separating.

3. Add spices

Mix in turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, salt, and sugar. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes.

4. Make the gravy creamy

Add the cashew paste and cook on low flame. Slowly add cream or curd while stirring continuously to keep the texture smooth and silky.

5. Add vegetables and fruits

Now add boiled vegetables, paneer, nuts, raisins, and pineapple. Mix gently so the pieces remain intact.

6. Final touch

Sprinkle garam masala and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Adjust thickness with a little water or milk if needed.

Serving Suggestion

Navratan Korma tastes best with naan, roti, jeera rice, or pulao. Garnish with fresh cream, coriander leaves, and a few nuts on top for a restaurant-style finish.

Tips for Best Flavor

• Don’t overcook vegetables; they should remain slightly firm
• Use fresh cream for authentic richness
• Balance sweetness and spice according to taste
• Lightly roast nuts before adding for deeper flavor

Navratan Korma is more than just a curry, it’s a celebration of textures and flavors in one dish. With its creamy gravy, soft vegetables, and crunchy nuts, it brings a royal touch to your dining table with very simple home ingredients.