Korma Curry Paste | Greedy Gourmet

Q: How do you store korma paste?

In the fridge Store the curry paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. In the freezer For longer storage, freeze the paste in an ice cube tray or small freezer-safe containers. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Question 1

Where does korma paste originate?

Accepted Answer

Before korma paste and korma recipes arrived in the UK in the 1960s, korma curry originated centuries ago in the Indian sub-continent.

Even so, some historians argue that it is, in fact, a Mughal dish by origin. If the cook could master the korma curry paste and cook a korma curry, they could cook for the Moghul Court. That's why people refer to this type of curry as a royal curry or curry for kings.

Question 2

Why is it called korma?

Accepted Answer

Korma curry is also known as 'qorma', 'askhorma', 'kavurma' and 'kurma'. The word 'korma' is said to be derived from the Persian word 'Koresh, ' a sort of mild Persian stew with ghee. Traditionally, korma was made using ghee, which is clarified butter.

Today, korma curry and korma curry paste have become an essential part of modern cuisine. Whether it is part of a large family meal or a student takeaway, we all love a good korma curry!

Question 3

What is a korma curry?

Accepted Answer

It's a yogurt and cream-based curry with garam masala, cardamom, and other spices that usually make up the korma curry paste. There are plenty of versions you can make using the korma curry paste.

For example, you can make vegetable and meat versions like chicken korma, lamb korma, or beef korma curry. You can even make a prawn korma or a fish korma.

You can vary between cream, yogurt, and coconut milk to make the korma creamy. You'll find that every region or province in India has its own signature way of preparing the korma curry, so you have lots of room to experiment. All you need now is the korma curry paste!

Question 4

What ingredients are in korma paste?

Accepted Answer

The main spices for korma paste include cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cardamom pods, garam masala, and ground turmeric. In addition, you'll also need coriander seeds (fresh coriander is best for scattering on top of your curry), as well as the likes of desiccated coconut, cashew nuts, green chilies, tomato puree, fresh ginger, and garlic.

You can use vegetable oil, or you can use ghee or coconut oil. Follow the recipe measurements very closely to get the flavor balance right.

Cumin, coriander, and cardamom seeds are gently toasted or fried in oil until their flavors are released. You will know because the air will fill with gorgeous smells! This step is done so that all the flavors of the spices are released, and you get maximum flavor in the korma curry paste.

Question 5

Is korma paste hot?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Korma paste is one the mildest curry pastes, with a beautiful mix of earthy spices and only a subtle amount of heat from green chilies.

Question 6

What's the difference between korma and kashmiri?

Accepted Answer

Traditionally, korma paste has nuts – either cashews or almonds, as is the case with this recipe. However, Kashmiri paste usually contains fruit, which makes it quite sweet.

Question 7

What's the difference between korma and tikka masala?

Accepted Answer

Korma uses fragrant, earthy spices for a subtle aroma and flavor backdrop. It's also light on chilies and chili powder, meaning less intensity when it comes to heat.

On the other hand, tikka masala embraces the heat with a fiery blend of cumin, paprika, coriander seeds, and lots of chili.

Question 8

What curry paste is similar to korma?

Accepted Answer

Pasanda is the most similar curry paste to korma. This is because, like korma, pasanda contains nuts and subtle earthy spices, and it's quite mild compared to other fiery curry pastes.

Question 9

Can you use korma paste for other curry recipes?

Accepted Answer

You might as well learn how to make other delicious Indian dishes. For example, you can use some of the required spices of the korma curry paste for making beef kofta curry. Or you can make prawn puri.

If you've got leftover korma paste, you can use it as a spice rub for an Indian roast leg of lamb.

Question 10

How do you store korma paste?

Accepted Answer

In the fridge

Store the curry paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

In the freezer

For longer storage, freeze the paste in an ice cube tray or small freezer-safe containers. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

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