Everyone loves a deliciously creamy Korma curry and using almonds, coconut and a selection of spices you probably already have on hand, you can make your own homemade Korma Paste in just 5 minutes. It's really simple to make this paste and it can be used to make a whole range of different curries. This authentic paste is super easy to adapt too.
Making your own curry paste is always a better option than buying a store bought version. You can control exactly what goes in it and also decide on the level of spice you want. It's super quick to make and will fill your kitchen with those wonderful Indian aromas.
If you are looking for some other curry pastes to try, then why not try our Thai Curry Paste recipe?
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Why you will love it
- Cheaper than store bought curry paste - Considering curry paste is made with spices, it is quite expensive to buy. Our recipe uses cupboard basics and is really cheap to make.
- All natural ingredients - A lot of store bought pastes are full of added ingredients that are needed for a longer shelf life. Our recipe is all natural.
- Totally easy to adapt - Don't love spicy food, or a certain spice? Feel free to adapt it to suit your own tastes.
- Ready in just 5 minutes - This is so quick and easy to make.
Ingredients needed
- Garlic and ginger - We crushed and grated our own, however you can use a ginger and garlic paste.
- Oil
- Almonds - This adds a lovely texture to the paste and helps to thicken it up. You can use cashews if you prefer.
- Coriander - Fresh coriander helps to lighten up the paste.
- Green chilli - If you really don't like much spice, then make sure you take out the seeds from the chilli before chopping. You can use red chilli if you prefer.
- Tomato puree - This adds some colour and flavour to the paste and also helps to thicken it up.
- Coriander seeds
- Cumin seeds
- Desiccated coconut - This helps to give a korma the coconut flavour that it is known for.
- Garam masala
- Cayenne - This is where some extra spice comes from. Korma isn't traditionally a spicy curry, but we like some heat in our curries. You can either leave it out or add more or less depending on how you like your curry.
- Salt and pepper - Season to taste
A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step by step
One: Heat a dry frying pan and toast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, garam masala, coconut, cayenne, salt and pepper, about 2 minutes. Don't heat for too long as it will burn.
Two: Remove from the heat and leave to cool.
Three: In a pestle and mortar, put the almonds, garlic, ginger, coriander (cilantro), tomato puree, desiccated coconut, green chili (if using) and oil.
Four: Pound well until a smooth paste is formed.
Five: Add the toasted spices.
Six: Mix well
What is a Korma?
A korma is a fragrant Indian dish containing meat, usually lamb or chicken, that is gently cooked with spices and dairy. Whilst some korma recipes contain yogurt, others have cream or a combination of the two. You can make a vegan version with coconut milk instead of dairy.
You will find that a lot of korma recipes contain nuts – usually almonds. These are often in the homemade paste and used to thicken the sauce. You can sprinkle the curry with some flaked almonds too.
Kormas are very popular in the UK as they are mild and seen as a gateway curry. The spice levels are pretty mellow, but it has plenty of flavour.
What goes into it?
This Korma paste is made with the most amazing fresh and fragrant ingredients, along with a range of spices that you probably have tucked away at the back of your spice cabinet. It's time to make the most of those spices!
You have coriander, cumin, garam masala, coconut and cayenne mixed with almonds, fresh garlic and ginger, fresh coriander and chilies. A Korma is mild, so don't go too heavy on the chillies, however you can always make it spicier if you want.
How to use korma paste
We have used this in our Chicken Korma and Lamb Korma, but you could also use it with beef or just vegetables or even tofu. This paste really goes with anything and will always make a delicious curry.
You don't have to use it in a curry, you could marinade some chunks of chicken and vegetables in it and then thread them on to pre-soaked wooden skewers and grill.
Storage
Store: You can store any left over paste by spooning it into an air-tight container, smoothing it over then adding a layer of oil. This will keep in the fridge for up to 1 month. We usually make extra so we can store it like this for quick and easy homemade curry
Freeze: If you want to freeze this paste, spoon into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a sealable bag and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Defrost: You can defrost this in the fridge overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
As long as you make sure that there is no cross contamination, then this is gluten free.
Yes, this is a naturally vegan curry paste.
Extra tips
• You can leave out the chilli, or add more, depending on your taste.
• If the paste is too thick, just add a little water.
• You don't need to toast the spices first, but it really brings out the flavours.
• If you don't have a pestle and mortar, you can use a food processor.
More curry recipes
If you’ve tried this korma paste recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Korma Paste
Ingredients
- 2 Garlic clove
- 30 g (1.06 oz) Fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 tablespoon Almonds
- 4 tablespoon Fresh coriander (cilantro) - chopped
- 1 Green chilli - chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoon Desiccated coconut
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a dry frying pan and toast 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, 2 teaspoon cumin seeds, 2 tablespoon Desiccated coconut, 1 teaspoon Garam masala, 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper and 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper, about 2 minutes. Don't heat for too long as it will burn.
- Remove from the heat and leave to cool.
- In a pestle and mortar, put 2 tablespoon Almonds, 2 Garlic clove, 30 g Fresh ginger, 4 tablespoon Fresh coriander (cilantro), 1 tablespoon Tomato puree, 1 Green chilli (if using) and 2 tablespoon Olive oil. Pound well until a smooth paste is formed.
- Add the toasted spices and mix well.
Recipe Tips
- You can leave out the chilli, or add more, depending on your taste
- If the paste is too thick, just add a little water
- You don't need to toast the spices first, but it really brings out the flavours
- If you don't have a pestle and mortar, you can use a food processor
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter says
Curry is one of my favourite meals ever! Can't wait to give this korma recipe a try!
Candice says
I love korma curries so much. They are always the one that I will order in a restaurant. This recipe completely satisfies that restaurant craving, and love it! How long does it keep in the refrigerator?
Alessandra says
Could I ask a question about this? I saved this recipe a while back and I was looking in one of my folders and saw this and didn’t remember I had this one. I want to make it soon cause I do need some curry paste since I have to don’t buy the store ones.
I can’t do nuts. Can I skip them? Or are they either something that is necessary to make this a korma paste and not a simple paste.
Also, I could use both dedicated coconuts or I have also a powder one. The powered one is a bit sweeter cause it contains also some natural sugars from monk extract and so on. Could I use both without any difference or is the desiccated coconut better for recipe purposes?
Dannii says
Hello, the nuts and the desiccated coconut are really for the texture of the paste. They do add flavour too, but you cold make the substitutions.
Veena Azmanov says
Best and delicious homemade option to stock. Love that I can use it for a lot more quick and easy cooking recipes. Thanks
Erika says
I've never tried korma paste before. I love your step by step instructions on how to make this.
Angela says
My mouth was watering as I was reading the recipe. It didn't disappoint. Such wonderful flavor in this paste and so versatile.
Sapana says
Just what I needed! It will be so easy to make my favorite Indian dishes with this paste.
Gloria says
I love homemade blends. This looks fantastic. What a great food gift to take to a BBQ this summer.
Bry says
I never knew it was this easy! This is by far the best homemade Korma paste I've tried. Will definitely be making this again!
Heidy M says
Danni,
First I want to say I really enjoy your blog. The tips and instructions are always so on point and easy to follow.
Secondly, this recipe was great! Once again you never disappoint!!!
Scarlet says
This sounds so fun to try. All those amazing ingredients sure make for a tasty dish. Thanks for the korma paste recipe!
Veena Azmanov says
Thanks for your recipe. Flavorful and definitely best homemade any day.
Anna says
I really enjoy making things from scratch, so can't wait to give this curry paste a go! Your step by step photos make it super easy and more than achievable!
Rebecca says
toasted spices are just the best! love how simple this recipe is, yet it adds SO much flavor to dishes!
Nart | Cooking with Nart says
Wow, I love korma but didn't know that the paste is this easy to make. Thanks so much for sharing!
Laura | Wandercooks says
I've never made my own korma pasta before and after making this recipe I'll never buy store bought again!!