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Creamy Chicken Korma with Cashew-Onion Paste Recipe

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★★★★

3.8 from 23 reviews

This Chicken Korma recipe offers a rich and creamy Indian-inspired curry made with tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked with caramelized onions, cashews, and fragrant aromatic spices. The dish is finished with heavy cream for an indulgent texture and garnished with fresh cilantro, making it perfect served alongside steamed rice.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ¼ cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Onion and Cashew Paste

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 small yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup raw cashews, coarsely chopped
  • ¼ cup plain yogurt

Cooking Spices & Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 serrano chilis, seeded and diced
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Marinate: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, ground ginger, minced garlic, garam masala, turmeric, ¼ cup plain yogurt, fresh lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly, then cover and set aside. For deeper flavor, marinate for 2 hours or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
  2. Cook the Onions and Cashews: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook the onions slowly for 10 to 12 minutes until caramelized and golden brown, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Stir in the coarsely chopped cashews and cook for an additional 1 minute to toast them slightly.
  3. Blend: Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the cooked onions and cashews to a blender or food processor. Add ¼ cup plain yogurt to the mixture and blend until smooth and well combined. Set this paste aside for later use.
  4. Sauté Spices: Return the skillet to high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the bay leaf and black peppercorns (if using) and cook for about 1 minute to release their aroma. Stir in ground cardamom and cinnamon followed by the diced serrano chilis. Cook for another minute to infuse the oil with the spices and chili flavor.
  5. Add the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown the chicken lightly.
  6. Add Onion Paste and Simmer: Stir in the prepared onion and cashew paste along with ½ cup water. Season the mixture with garam masala, salt, and chili powder. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  7. Cook Covered: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the chicken simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes or until cooked through and tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Add Cream: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes over medium heat until heated through and the sauce is rich and creamy. Adjust salt and seasoning to taste.
  9. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot with cooked rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water or simmer uncovered for a few minutes at the end.
  • You can substitute cashews with almonds or pistachios if desired.
  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
  • Adjust the number of serrano chilis according to preferred spice level.
  • Use plain Greek yogurt for a creamier marinade.
  • Serve with naan bread as an alternative to rice for a different texture experience.

Keywords: Chicken Korma, Indian Chicken Curry, Creamy Chicken Curry, Cashew Chicken Curry, Indian Dinner Recipe, Easy Korma

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/creamy-chicken-korma-with-cashew-onion-paste-recipe/