Lauki Korma
Tender bottle gourd and soft paneer simmered in a rich, creamy cashew and yogurt gravy. This mildly spiced North Indian curry is a delicious and complete meal, perfect with hot rotis or rice.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Korma Paste
- b.Drain the soaked cashews.
- c.In a blender, combine the roughly chopped onions and drained cashews.
- d.Blend to a very smooth paste. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water if needed to facilitate grinding.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Paneer (Optional)
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- c.Add the paneer cubes and shallow-fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are light golden on all sides.
- d.Remove the paneer from the pan and place it in a bowl of warm water. This keeps it soft. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Paste
- b.In the same pan, add ghee and heat over medium flame.
- c.Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and crushed green cardamom. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the prepared onion-cashew paste. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the paste turns light golden, thickens, and the raw smell disappears.
- e.Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Masala
- b.Add the tomato puree to the pan and mix well.
- c.Stir in the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
- d.Cook the masala for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and you see ghee separating from the sides.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Build the Gravy
- b.Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Add the whisked, room-temperature curd.
- c.Stir continuously and vigorously for 2-3 minutes to prevent the curd from curdling. Cook until the gravy comes to a gentle simmer.
- d.Add the cubed lauki and 1 cup of hot water. Mix everything well.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Simmer and Finish the Korma
- b.Bring the curry to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- c.Cover the pan and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the lauki is tender and cooked through.
- d.Drain the paneer from the warm water and gently stir it into the gravy.
- e.Add the garam masala and optional fresh cream. Stir gently and cook for two more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- f.Check for seasoning and add more salt if needed.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- c.Serve hot with roti, naan, or steamed basmati rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always use tender, young lauki for the best texture and taste. Avoid ones with hard seeds.
- 2To prevent yogurt from curdling, ensure it's full-fat, at room temperature, and whisked well. Always add it on low heat and stir continuously.
- 3Soaking the fried paneer cubes in warm water is a key step to ensure they remain incredibly soft in the gravy.
- 4For a richer flavor, you can use milk instead of water to adjust the gravy's consistency.
- 5A pinch of sugar can be added along with the tomato puree to balance the tanginess.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan Version
Replace paneer with firm tofu or boiled chickpeas. Use a plant-based yogurt (like cashew or coconut yogurt) and oil instead of ghee. Omit the fresh cream or use a vegan alternative.
Nut Free VersionNut-Free Version
Substitute cashews with 2 tablespoons of melon seeds (magaz) or poppy seeds (khus khus) to achieve a similar creamy texture. Soak them just like the cashews before grinding.
With Other VegetablesWith Other Vegetables
Add other vegetables like green peas, diced carrots, or potatoes along with the lauki for a mixed vegetable korma. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Hydrating and Cooling
Bottle gourd (lauki) has a high water content (about 92%), which helps in keeping the body hydrated and cool, making it an excellent choice for warmer weather.
Rich in Protein and Calcium
Paneer is a great source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, and calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Aids Digestion
Lauki is rich in both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, which helps in maintaining a healthy digestive system, preventing constipation, and promoting gut health.
Good for Heart Health
The use of cashews provides healthy monounsaturated fats. When prepared with controlled amounts of ghee and cream, this dish can be part of a heart-healthy diet.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Lauki Korma can be a healthy dish. Lauki is low in calories and high in water content and fiber. Paneer provides protein and calcium. To make it healthier, use low-fat paneer and yogurt, and reduce the amount of ghee, cream, and cashews.