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Fish Korma is a delectable and aromatic dish that originates from the Indian subcontinent.

It is a popular variation of the traditional Korma, a creamy and mildly spiced curry known for its rich flavors and velvety texture.

While the original Korma is primarily prepared with meat such as chicken or lamb, Fish Korma offers a delightful alternative for seafood lovers.

This enticing dish features tender pieces of fish, usually firm and flaky varieties like Rohu and Katlasimmered in a luscious and fragrant gravy.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

Fish Korma is a creamy and mildly spiced dish made with tender pieces of fish in a flavorful curry.

It is a variation of the traditional Korma, known for its rich flavors and velvety texture.
Fish Korma is a great alternative for seafood lovers who want to enjoy the flavors of Korma with fish instead of meat.
The dish incorporates a blend of spices, such as ginger, garlic, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and garam masala, which infuse it with a tantalizing flavor.

Fish Korma is typically served with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti, offering a complete and satisfying meal.

The Ingredients:

Rohu fish – 700 grams (cut into 7 pieces and cleaned)

Onion: chopped (2 large size onions)
Ginger-garlic-onion paste: A fine paste of 2 medium size onions, 1-inch ginger, 6-7 cloves of garlic, 5-6 red coloured green chilis
Cashew paste: A paste of 15 cashew nuts and 10-12 raisins

Yogurt: 3 tbsp (well beaten)
Bay leaves: 2 pieces
Cinnamon: 3 pieces

Cardamoms: 4 pieces
Cloves: 3 pieces
Shahi garam masala – 1 tbsp

Ghee – 1 tbsp
Refined oil: 3 tbsp
Salt to taste

How to Cook Fish Korma (Step by Step Images)?

1. Marinate the fish pieces with salt, and set them aside for 10 minutes.

2. Heat oil in a wok.

3. Fry the chopped onions until they turn dark brown.

4. Take out the fried onions and place them on a plate. They will be used as beresta.

5. Take another pan and heat oil in it.

6. Fry the fish until golden brown, and then transfer them to a plate.

7. Add the whole spices such as bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and give them a good stir.

8. Add the ginger garlic onion paste and mix well.

9. Add some salt.

10. Add the cashew-raisin paste.

11. Add half of the beresta (fried onions) and stir well.

12. Reduce the flame to low. Add yogurt and mix well.

13. Add warm water according to desired gravy consistency.

14. Once the water comes to a boil, add the fried fish.

15. Sprinkle shahi garam masala.

16. Add ghee for a royal flavor.

17. Turn off the stove. Fish Korma is ready and sprinkle the remaining beresta (fried onions) over it.

Pro Tips for Cooking Fish Korma

Here are some pro tips to help you cook a delicious Fish Korma:

Choose the right fish: Opt for firm and flaky fish varieties like Rohu, Katla, Cod, Halibut, or Salmon that can hold their shape when cooked in the curry. Avoid using delicate fish that may easily break apart.

Marinate the fish (OPTIONAL): Before adding the fish to the curry, marinate it in a mixture of yogurt, ginger, garlic, and a pinch of salt for at least 10 minutes. This will help tenderize the fish and infuse it with flavor.

Sauté the spices: Heat oil or ghee in a pan and sauté the spices such as cumin, coriander, and whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves before adding them to the curry. This process helps release their essential oils and enhances their flavors.

Toast the nuts: If you’re using nuts like almonds or cashews for garnishing, lightly toast them in a dry pan before adding them to the dish. This will bring out their natural flavors and add a pleasant crunch to the final presentation.

Use coconut milk or cream (OPTIONAL): To achieve a creamy and rich texture, add coconut milk or heavy cream to the curry. You can adjust the quantity to suit your preference for richness and thickness.

Simmer gently: Once you add the fish to the curry, simmer it gently over low heat to prevent the fish from overcooking and breaking apart. This will ensure that the fish retains its texture and remains tender.

Adjust spices and seasoning: Taste the curry as it simmers and adjust the spices and seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt, chili powder, or other spices to suit your desired level of heat and flavor.

Garnish wisely: Just before serving, garnish the Fish Korma with fresh cilantro, fried onions, or chopped nuts. This will add a burst of freshness, texture, and visual appeal to the dish.

What to Serve with Fish Korma?

Fish Korma pairs well with a variety of accompaniments that complement its flavors and provide a balanced meal. Here are some popular options to serve with Fish Korma:

Steamed Rice: Fragrant basmati rice is a classic choice to serve alongside Fish Korma. The mild flavors of the rice act as a perfect canvas to absorb the creamy curry, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Naan Bread: Soft and fluffy naan bread is another excellent choice to mop up the flavorful sauce of the Fish Korma. Its slightly chewy texture and mild taste make it an ideal accompaniment to enjoy with the curry.

Roti or Chapati: Whole wheat roti or chapati, which are unleavened flatbreads, can be a healthier alternative to naan. These breads have a slightly nutty flavor and are great for scooping up the creamy curry.

Paratha: Parathas are flaky and layered Indian bread made with whole wheat flour. They add a delightful texture and richness to the meal and are perfect for tearing into pieces and dipping into the Fish Korma.

Vegetable Biryani: If you’re looking to add more depth to your meal, serving Fish Korma with a fragrant and flavorful vegetable biryani is an excellent choice. The aromatic rice dish with assorted vegetables complements the creamy curry beautifully.

Remember, the choice of accompaniment ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Feel free to mix and match or explore other traditional Indian side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal with your Fish Korma.

How Does Fish Korma Taste Like?

Fish Korma has a unique and delightful flavor profile. Here’s a description of how it tastes:

Creamy: Fish Korma is known for its creamy texture, thanks to the addition of yogurt, cream, or coconut milk. The creamy base coats the fish and spices, creating a luscious and velvety mouthfeel.

Mildly Spiced: Unlike some other Indian curries that can be quite spicy, Fish Korma is typically milder in heat. It features a gentle blend of spices such as ginger, garlic, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and garam masala. The spices enhance the flavors without overpowering the delicate taste of the fish.

Fragrant: The aroma of Fish Korma is incredibly enticing. The combination of spices, along with sautéed onions and garlic, creates a fragrant and inviting scent that wafts through the air.

Balanced Flavors: Fish Korma achieves a harmonious balance of flavors. The spices provide warmth and depth, while the creamy elements add richness. The dish often has a subtle tanginess from the yogurt or coconut milk, which helps cut through the richness and adds a pleasant contrast.

Overall, Fish Korma offers a delightful combination of creamy, mild, and aromatic flavors.

It’s a dish where the subtle flavors of the fish shine through, while being complemented by the creamy curry and spices, resulting in a satisfying and comforting culinary experience.

Fish Korma Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternatives to Fish Korma, here are a few options that you might consider:

Chicken Korma: Chicken Korma is the classic version of this dish and is widely loved for its rich and creamy flavors. Tender chicken pieces are simmered in a similar spiced and creamy curry sauce, making it a popular choice for meat lovers.

Vegetable Korma: For those who prefer vegetarian or vegan options, Vegetable Korma is an excellent alternative. Assorted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, peas, and cauliflower are cooked in a creamy, spiced gravy, offering a delicious and hearty meal.

Prawn Korma: Prawn Korma is another popular seafood variation. Juicy prawns are cooked in a similar creamy curry base, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating a delightful seafood dish with a hint of spice.

Paneer Korma: Paneer Korma is a delightful option for cheese lovers. Paneer, a firm Indian cottage cheese, is cooked in a creamy and spiced gravy. It offers a rich and satisfying vegetarian alternative to Fish Korma.

Lamb Korma: If you enjoy the rich and robust flavors of meat, Lamb Korma is an excellent choice. Tender pieces of lamb are slow-cooked in a spiced and creamy curry, resulting in a succulent and flavorsome dish.

Mushroom Korma: Mushroom Korma is a delicious vegetarian alternative that showcases the earthy flavors of mushrooms. The creamy curry sauce pairs beautifully with the meaty texture and unique taste of mushrooms.

Tofu Korma: Tofu Korma is a vegan alternative that replaces fish or meat with tofu, a versatile plant-based protein. The tofu absorbs the flavors of the spiced curry, creating a satisfying and protein-rich dish.

These alternatives offer a variety of options to suit different dietary preferences and taste preferences.

Whether you prefer seafood, meat, or vegetarian options, there’s a Korma variation that can satisfy your cravings for a creamy and flavorful curry.

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