Chicken Korma

Chicken Korma
Chicken Korma
Korma, in the Urdu language, simply means cooked meat. Because of the styles of restaurant cooking, korma is associated with a creamy, mild, and rich sauce. To increase the creaminess of this recipe, almonds are added, and then the dish is finished with a touch of coconut milk. A quick blending of the sauce ingredients followed by cooking under pressure in the Instant Pot results in a dish that is rich, creamy, and flavorful, with a thick sauce that is not overly spicy.
  • Preparing Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 4
white meat free gluten free red meat free dairy free vegan pescatarian
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds
  • 5 cloves garlic (peeled)
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup tomato (diced)
  • 1 ounce raw almonds (or substitute cashews if you prefer)
  • 1/2 green serrano chile
  • 1 pound chicken breasts (thighs or drumsticks, boneless, skinless)
  • 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk (or more to taste)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped fresh optional)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped fresh)
  • 1 tablespoons pinch saffron strands (soaked in 2non-dairy milk)
  • Carbohydrate 3.16991988878485 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Fat 3.55646598037608 g
  • Fiber 1.22489501789178 g
  • Protein 1.82569971258845 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.28300871816398 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 serving (170g)
  • Sodium 7.75711217690804 mg
  • Sugar 1.94502487089308 g
  • Trans Fat 0.230072838292722 g
  • Calories 48 calories

My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: A Chicken Korma Journey

As a busy working mom, time in the kitchen is a precious commodity. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of homework help, soccer practice, and the never-ending quest for clean laundry. So, when I stumbled upon this Chicken Korma recipe, I was initially hesitant. Korma, with its exotic-sounding name and promise of creamy richness, seemed like a project far beyond my limited weeknight cooking capabilities. But something about the simplicity of the Instant Pot method intrigued me. Could I really create this aromatic, flavorful dish without spending hours slaving over a hot stove? The answer, my friends, is a resounding yes!

My first attempt was nothing short of a revelation. The rich, creamy sauce, infused with warm spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, was a symphony of flavors. The chicken, tender and juicy, practically melted in my mouth. It was a far cry from the rushed, flavorless dinners we'd grown accustomed to. The entire family, even my picky teenage son, devoured it. It became an instant favorite, a comforting and delicious escape from the daily grind. This wasn't just a meal; it was a culinary adventure that transported us, if only for a little while, to a far-off land filled with aromatic spices and rich culinary traditions.

Beyond the deliciousness, this Chicken Korma recipe offered a surprising lesson in efficiency. The Instant Pot truly lived up to its name. The entire cooking process, from prep to plate, took less than an hour. That's a game-changer for a busy woman like me. It proved that delicious, restaurant-quality food doesn't require hours of tedious cooking. With a little planning and the right tools, a flavorful, sophisticated meal is within everyone's reach. This experience encouraged me to explore more complex recipes. It ignited a passion for cooking, proving that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, there's always time for a little culinary creativity.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different types of chicken or even try substituting the almonds with cashews for a subtly different flavor profile. The spice level is easily adjustable, so you can tailor it to your preferences. This recipe isn't just about following instructions; it's about creating something delicious and personal, a reflection of your own culinary journey. It has become a staple in my weeknight repertoire, a testament to the fact that even the busiest amongst us can find time for delicious, wholesome meals. It’s more than just a recipe; it's a reminder that even amidst the everyday chaos, a little bit of culinary magic can make all the difference.

I encourage you to try this recipe. Let the aromas of warming spices fill your kitchen, and savor the rich, creamy flavors of this surprisingly simple and incredibly delicious Chicken Korma. It's more than just a meal; it's an experience.

Step-by-step

    • In a blender jar, mix the almonds, onion, tomato, serrano, garlic, ginger, turmeric, salt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, cayenne, and water. Blend into a smooth puree.
    • Pour the sauce into the inner cooking pot of the Instant Pot. Place the chicken on top. If the chicken is frozen, push it down into the sauce a little.
    • Lock the lid into place. Select Manual and adjust the pressure to High. Cook for 10 minutes.
    • When the cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally. Unlock and remove the lid.
    • Carefully remove the chicken to a board and cut it into bite-size pieces.
    • Stir the coconut milk, garam masala, and tomato paste into the pot. Return the chicken to the pot, and garnish with the slivered almonds and cilantro.
    • Pour the saffron milk along with the saffron strands over the rice and serve.