Navratan Korma is a beloved North Indian dish known for its rich, creamy, and mildly spiced flavor. Traditionally, the dish features a luxurious blend of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and sometimes paneer, cooked in a creamy gravy. But what if you want to enjoy this indulgent dish without using cream? Whether you’re looking for a lighter version or want to make it vegan-friendly, this 5-step guide will show you how to prepare Navratan Korma without cream while retaining its authentic taste, texture, and richness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Navratan Korma lies in its variety of ingredients. Using fresh vegetables and high-quality nuts ensures maximum flavor, while yogurt, cashew paste, or coconut milk can replace cream to keep the dish rich and creamy.
Vegetables:
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup beans, chopped
- 1/2 cup cauliflower florets
- 1/2 cup paneer cubes (optional)
For the Gravy:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 cup cashew nuts (soaked and blended into a paste)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Optional for added richness and flavor:
- 2 tablespoons raisins
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds or cashews
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
With all ingredients prepared, your cooking process becomes smooth and organized, ensuring consistent results.
Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables
Navratan Korma is celebrated for its colorful mix of vegetables. Proper preparation ensures even cooking and maximum flavor.
Instructions:
- Wash, peel, and dice all vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Lightly steam or blanch hard vegetables like carrots, beans, and cauliflower for 3–4 minutes. This prevents overcooking later and keeps the vegetables tender yet firm.
- If using paneer, cut it into small cubes and lightly fry them in 1 tablespoon oil until golden brown. Set aside.
Tips:
- Choose fresh vegetables for vibrant colors and natural sweetness.
- Blanching helps retain nutrients and prevents soggy texture in the final dish.
Step 2: Making the Cashew or Coconut Base
Since this version avoids cream, a cashew paste or coconut milk creates the creamy, luxurious texture typical of Navratan Korma.
Instructions:
- Soak 1/4 cup cashew nuts in warm water for 15–20 minutes.
- Blend soaked cashews with a little water to form a smooth paste.
- Alternatively, use 1/2 cup coconut milk as a creamy substitute for a lighter or vegan version.
Tips:
- Cashew paste provides a rich, nutty flavor, while coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness.
- Make sure the paste is smooth to avoid grainy texture in the gravy.
Step 3: Preparing the Onion-Tomato Gravy
A well-seasoned gravy is the heart of Navratan Korma, providing depth and balance to the dish.
Instructions:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
- Mix in turmeric, coriander, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes to allow the spices to blend.
Tips:
- Slow cooking onions enhances sweetness and adds richness without cream.
- Use fresh tomatoes for natural sweetness and tang.
Step 4: Combining Vegetables with the Gravy
Once the gravy is ready, it’s time to incorporate the vegetables and create a creamy consistency without using dairy cream.
Instructions:
- Reduce heat to low and add the cashew paste or coconut milk gradually while stirring to maintain a smooth consistency.
- Add the blanched vegetables and paneer cubes, mixing gently to coat them with the gravy.
- Simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Sprinkle garam masala, cardamom powder, raisins, and nuts for added aroma, sweetness, and texture.
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of cashew paste or coconut milk for desired richness.
- Do not overcook vegetables to maintain their texture and color.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
The final touches make your Navratan Korma visually appealing and flavorful.
Instructions:
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a few chopped nuts for an elegant presentation.
- Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, naan, roti, or paratha.
Tips:
- Add a few drops of lemon juice for a mild tang if desired.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the full richness and aroma of the dish.
Additional Tips for Perfect Navratan Korma Without Cream
- Balancing Flavors: Navratan Korma is mildly spiced, slightly sweet, and aromatic. Taste as you cook and adjust seasoning gradually.
- Vegetable Variety: Experiment with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or baby corn to enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Texture Matters: Ensure vegetables remain tender-crisp. Overcooking can make the gravy watery.
- Nutty Richness: Cashew paste is essential for creaminess; for a richer flavor, add almonds or soaked pistachios.
- Vegan Version: Replace paneer with tofu and use coconut milk for a completely plant-based version.
Health Benefits of This Version
- Lower in Fat: Avoiding cream reduces overall fat content while maintaining richness.
- Nutritious: Packed with fresh vegetables, nuts, and mild spices that provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Protein-Rich: Paneer or tofu adds protein, making it a filling meal.
- Digestive Benefits: Spices like cumin and coriander aid digestion and add flavor without extra calories.
Why Navratan Korma Without Cream Works
Navratan Korma without cream maintains the essence of this classic dish—richness, sweetness, and aromatic spices—while making it lighter and healthier. Using cashew paste or coconut milk mimics the luxurious texture of cream without the heaviness. The combination of colorful vegetables, mild spices, and nuts provides a visually stunning and nutritionally balanced dish perfect for family meals, festive occasions, or special dinners.
Conclusion
Preparing Navratan Korma without cream is both simple and rewarding. By following these five steps—preparing vegetables, making the cashew or coconut base, preparing the onion-tomato gravy, combining vegetables with the gravy, and garnishing beautifully—you can create a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish without using dairy cream.
The key to success lies in patience and attention to detail: sauté onions slowly for natural sweetness, blend nuts smoothly for creaminess, and cook vegetables to the perfect tenderness. This healthier version of Navratan Korma is not only lighter but equally delicious, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a wholesome, vegetarian meal.
Serve this creamy, aromatic dish with naan, roti, or rice, and enjoy a classic North Indian favorite that’s lighter, healthier, and just as satisfying as the traditional version. Perfect for family dinners, festive gatherings, or a special occasion, Navratan Korma without cream proves that healthy cooking can still be indulgent and flavorful.
