Paneer Korma
Rich yet balanced, this paneer korma brings together soft paneer cubes in a silky onion, yogurt, and cashew gravy scented with whole spices. It is mild, comforting, and made to pair beautifully with roti, naan, or a small serving of rice.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~15 min
Soak the cashews and prep the ingredients.
1.Soak the cashews in warm water for 15 minutes.2.Slice the onions and chop the ginger and garlic.3.Cut the paneer into medium cubes and whisk the yogurt until smooth.TIPWarm soaked cashews blend faster and give the gravy a smoother finish. - saute · ~8 min
Cook the onion base.
1.Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.2.Add bay leaf, green cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.3.Add onions, ginger, garlic, and green chili and cook until the onions turn soft and light golden.TIPDo not brown the onions too much or the korma will lose its pale, delicate color. - mix · ~4 min
Blend the korma paste.
Take the pan off the heat and let the onion mixture cool slightly. Blend it with the soaked cashews and a few spoonfuls of water to make a smooth paste.
- saute · ~6 min
Cook the gravy masala.
1.Return the same pan to low-medium heat.2.Add the ground paste and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often.3.Add coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt and cook for 1 minute.4.Lower the heat and stir in the whisked yogurt slowly so it blends smoothly.TIPKeep the heat low when adding yogurt so the gravy stays silky and does not split. - simmer · ~6 min
Add paneer and simmer the korma.
Pour in the water and stir until the gravy is smooth. Add the paneer cubes and garam masala, then simmer gently for 5 to 6 minutes until the paneer is heated through and the gravy thickens lightly.
- garnish
Garnish with cilantro.
- serve
Serve the paneer korma hot.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Blend the onion-cashew mixture completely smooth for a restaurant-style silky korma.
- 2Let the onion base cool slightly before blending to avoid pressure buildup in the blender.
- 3Add the whisked yogurt on low heat and stir continuously so the gravy does not curdle.
- 4Do not over-simmer after adding paneer; long cooking can make the cubes firm and chewy.
- 5If the gravy thickens too much on standing, loosen it with a splash of hot water before serving.
- 6For softer paneer, soak the cubes in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to the gravy.
- 7This korma tastes even better after 20 to 30 minutes of resting, when the whole spices mellow into the sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Use 1 tablespoon oil and cook the onions slowly with a splash of water as needed; the korma stays rich from cashews and yogurt.
no garlicNo-garlic
Skip the garlic for a cleaner, gentler flavor that still feels classic with ginger, whole spices, yogurt, and cashew.
veganVegan
Replace paneer with firm tofu and use unsweetened plant yogurt; this keeps the creamy korma style without dairy.
mughlai styleMughlai-style
Add a spoonful of cream and a few saffron strands at the end for a more luxurious, festive finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein from Paneer
Paneer makes this korma satisfying and helps turn the mild gravy into a more filling vegetarian main dish.
Good Fats from Cashews
Cashews add creaminess along with nourishing fats, reducing the need for large amounts of cream or butter.
Digestive Spice Base
Ginger, garlic, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon bring aroma and also support a warming, digestively friendly curry base.
Frequently asked questions
It usually happens when yogurt is added over high heat. Keep the flame low, whisk the yogurt well, and stir it in gradually.




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