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Start by preparing the vegetables.
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Chop 1 cup of carrots, 1 cup of beans, 1 large potato, and 1/2 cup of green peas into uniform small pieces. Cutting the vegetables into uniform sizes helps them to cook evenly.
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The addition of carrots, beans, and potatoes adds texture, flavour, and nutrients to the korma, while the peas add sweetness with that great pop when eaten.
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You can use other vegetables, such as cauliflower or bell peppers, according to your choice; however, this is a great combination.
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Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add bay leaf, an inch cinnamon stick, 3-4 cloves, and 2-3 green cardamoms.
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Saute the whole spices for some seconds till they start to release their fragrance.
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Tempering spices is an essential step of the recipe as it sets down the aromatic foundation of the dish by infusing warm, earthy flavours into the oil.
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Add 1 finely chopped onion to the pan.
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Saut the onion till it turns golden brown.
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This step caramelises the onions, which gives a slight sweetness that levels the spices in a dish.
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Once the onions are golden, add 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste and saut for another minute or two.
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The ginger-garlic paste brings sharp undertones of savoury depth without making the kurma complicated.
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While the onions are frying, prep the thickening paste for the kurma.
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Add to the blender 1/4 cup grated coconut, 10-12 cashew nuts, 1 tablespoon of khus khus (poppy seeds), and 1/2 cup of water. Blend to a very fine paste.
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Here, the coconut and cashew provide an opulence of creamy texture to the dish, while the poppy seed adds a subtle nutty flavour. The paste brings about richness and thickness to the kurma.
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Add the chopped vegetables to the pan once the onion and ginger-garlic mixture is well cooked. Lightly stir the vegetables with the flavourful onion mixture for 2-3 minutes. Here, it begins infusing the vegetables with spices so that they can start absorbing flavours even before the simmering stage.
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The carrots, beans, potatoes, and peas will absorb aromas; hence, every single bite of the finished dish will be aromatic.
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Add the ground coconut-cashew paste to the pan along with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of red chilli powder, and 1 teaspoon of coriander powder. Mix everything so that the vegetables are well coated with the paste and spices.
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Turmeric gives it the bright golden colour, chilli powder gives it the heat, and coriander adds a hint of citrus flavour.
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Mix well until the spice is distributed evenly throughout and the coconut-cashew paste combines with vegetables.
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Add 2 cups of water to the pan, mix with coconut-cashew paste, and let it get thinner like gravy.
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Salt can now be added according to taste, but note that all water will eventually dissipate as the dish cooks.
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Put the lid on and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes on low to medium heat.
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Stir occasionally to ensure that the gravy does not stick at the bottom of the pan.
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The vegetables will be soft, silky, and imbued with every flavour from this rich, spiced gravy. Water will reduce and leave a thick, luscious kurma sauce clinging to the vegetables.
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Turn off the heat when the vegetables are cooked and the gravy has reached the desired consistency.
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Garnish the kurma with a handful of coriander leaves; their fresh, herbal finishing touches give the dish aromatic freshness. Bright green coriander adds colour, but its refreshing notes enhance the flavour as well.
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This vegetable kurma can be served hot with roti or rice. It goes amazingly well with all types of Indian flatbread or even steamed rice.
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The creamy coconut-cashew gravy and the soft vegetables together make for a very satisfying, wholesome meal.