We have a deep love of Indian food around here, I've talked about it before. It all began when it saved my life on Christmas Eve in 2013. That was the first time we met, Indian food and I.
When we moved to Indiana shortly thereafter, we realized there weren't any Indian places anywhere nearby. That's when Clark started making his own version(s) at home. And since then, he's gotten good at it. Like, really, really good. He's the resident curry-maker around these parts and I am so happy that I have a resident curry-maker in my life. It comes in handy when I've got a bad cold, when I need some spice in my life, or when my brother is leaving the country for basically a whole year.
What? Holy shit. My little brother is going to Malaysia to teach English. For 10. Freaking. Months. I can't even right now.
When we asked him what we wanted to do for his last night in the states, he didn't want a fancy dinner. He didn't want to go out for drinks. No, none of that. He wanted to stay in, relax, eat a home-cooked meal, and play board games. Is this how you know we're grown-ups? I don't know. I don't care. I love it.
So Clark volunteered to make curry. We sat down with my parents, my brother, and his girlfriend with steaming bowls of spicy comfort food – talking, laughing, and sharing stories – the kind of occasion that doesn't happen very often these days.
I guess I got off topic somewhere. Because this recipe isn't a "curry" by definition, but it reminds me of one. A few subtle differences technically make it a korma, instead. Let's not concern ourselves with the subtleties, though. Let's focus on what's important, which is this amazing pot of Indian comfort food.
In a nutshell, korma is an Indian dish that combines warm, savory spices. Traditionally, it's made with chicken or fish that's been marinated in yogurt sauce. But we're not using chicken or fish. Instead, we're using a medley of potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, radishes, and green onion creating this creamy vegan korma. The blend of spices may seem extensive, but each one serves a purpose. That purpose being to create a bowl of creamy, hearty, need-it-in-your-life korma that's loaded with layers of deep flavor. If you don't have all of the spices, I recommend you spend a couple bucks to get them. Because you will be making this again and again and again.
If you haven't ever tried Indian food, 1. Don't be afraid of it. and 2. This korma is a great place to start. It's mild, simple to make, and it's the perfect comfort food.
Let's sit down with friends, family, significant others, etc. and enjoy a bowl (or two) of this irresistible korma. And naan. You'll definitely need fresh, hot naan. How else would you be able to swipe up every last drop of this goodness?
Creamy Vegan Korma
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
This vegan korma recipe is made with a medley of vegetables and a mild, savory blend of spices. It's easy, ethnic comfort food at its best.
Ingredients
- 3 cups yukon gold potatoes, chopped into ½" cubes
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup fresh tomato, chopped
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 bunch green onions (about ¾ cup)
- 1 cup radishes, sliced
- 2 - 15 oz. cans whole coconut milk, well-shaken
- 1 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup cashews
- 2 oz. tomato paste
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ cup vegan yogurt (SoDelicious)
Spices
- 1 Tablespoon curry
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- ½ Tablespoon sea salt
Instructions
Prep
- In a medium pot, bring 5-6 cups of water to a boil. Add potatoes and ½ teaspoon salt. Boil until "al dente," about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Korma
- In a large, deep pot, heat oil to medium-high. Add green onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add spices and tomato paste and stir to combine.
- Add tomato, bell pepper, radishes, cashews, chickpeas, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
- Pour in broth and coconut milk. Bring to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the potatoes back in and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Stir in the yogurt until well combined.
- Serve with basmati rice and naan! Garnish with cashews and cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main
Is there "any" bean you could sub for chickpeas?
Hi Joanne! You could sub peas or fresh green beans for chickpeas. If desired, you could even omit them entirely.
HI there,
Why the coconut milk AND the yogurt? Is it for flavor or texture or both?
Thanks,
JT
Hi Jenny! Korma is traditionally made using yogurt. It adds creaminess and depth of flavor!
Looks delicious and ready to try...but am I seeing this right? Two cans of coconut milk?! Have you had any success with subbing lite coconut milk or other plant based milk options?
Hi Aimee –
This recipe does use two cans of coconut milk. While that may sound like a lot, the recipe does feed between 8 and 10 people when served over rice. I've never tried subbing with other plant-based milks, but it's certainly worth a shot! You could also try subbing broth for half of the coconut milk. Let me know what you try!
Please tell me this can be made without the radishes!
Of course! You can definitely leave the radishes out or substitute with a different veggie.
Oh my gosh! This is so delicious!! I've had it everyday for lunch AND dinner for the past week. Even the meat eaters at work have asked for the recipe. Yum!
Hi Jacinta! I'm so glad to hear that you liked this korma recipe. It is a home run in my book! <3 Thanks for sharing!
I somehow just found your blog yesterday and immediately made this recipe (well, after I went on a search for some of the spices). It was amazing and really easy to make. I had just made a fresh batch of vegetable broth, so it was nice to use that as in it as well. Thanks for sharing - I look forward to trying a lot more of your recipes!
Hi Abby! So glad you found us - and that you liked the korma! It's definitely one of my new favorite dinner options, especially on cold nights. Can't wait to hear what you think about our other recipes! :D