Eid Chicken Korma (Mild Chicken Curry with Yoghurt and Cashews)
Why this recipe works
- Layered spice base: Golden onions, ghee, whole cardamom, ground spices, garlic and ginger build a rounded savoury base before the chicken is added.
- Velvety gravy: Yoghurt forms the body of the sauce, while ground cashews and fried onions thicken it into a smooth, glossy korma gravy.
- Mild but full-flavoured: The curry keeps the heat gentle, making the richness and aromatic spices the focus rather than chilli intensity.
Get the most out of this recipe
Common mistakes
- Adding the yoghurt too quickly: Keep the heat low and stir the yoghurt in gradually so the sauce stays smooth instead of splitting.
- Letting the spice base catch: After the onions are browned, keep the heat moderate when adding ground spices, garlic and ginger; they should smell fragrant, not scorch.
- Stopping before the gravy thickens: Let the cashew and fried onion mixture simmer into the sauce until it looks glossy and coats the chicken.
Ingredient notes
- Chicken thighs work well here: Boneless, skinless thighs stay tender during simmering and suit the rich sauce better than leaner cuts.
- Use plain yoghurt: A plain, unsweetened yoghurt gives the sauce its tang and creaminess without adding unwanted sweetness.
- Cashews and fried onions shape the sauce: Grinding them finely helps thicken the korma evenly and gives the gravy its soft, velvety finish.
Make-ahead tips
- Good for making ahead: The flavours settle well after chilling, so the curry can be prepared in advance and reheated gently.
- Reheat slowly: Warm over low heat, stirring often, and loosen with a little water if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Freezer suitable: Cool the cooked korma quickly, freeze in a sealed container, then thaw and reheat until piping hot throughout.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thinly slice the onion. Finely grate the garlic and ginger.
- Warm the ghee in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of the salt and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden.
- Add the cardamom pods, cumin, coriander and turmeric and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute, keeping the heat moderate so it does not catch.
- Lower the heat and add the yogurt a spoonful at a time, stirring well between additions so it stays smooth. Once all the yogurt is in, stir in the remaining salt.
- Add the chicken thighs and stir to coat in the spiced yogurt. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 18 to 22 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the chicken is tender and the sauce looks glossy.
- Meanwhile, grind the cashew nuts and fried onion to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. Stir this into the korma and simmer uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened to a velvety gravy.
- Stir in the garam masala and simmer for 1 minute. Rest off the heat for 2 minutes, then serve.
Recipe notes
Serving suggestions
This recipe pairs well with:
Tips
- Keep the heat low when adding the yogurt and stir constantly to prevent it splitting.
- For the smoothest finish, crush the cardamom pods lightly before cooking, then fish them out before serving.
- Food safety: if serving vulnerable groups, ensure the chicken is cooked until piping hot throughout with no pink remaining.
Substitutions
- Replace ghee with butter for a similar richness.
- Replace yogurt with greek-yogurt for a thicker, tangier sauce.
- Replace cashew nuts with almonds for a slightly firmer, nuttier gravy.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often, until piping hot; add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 55min (25min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Indian
-
Allergens:
Cashews Milk
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