Vegetarian Korma with Black Beans and Almonds

This vegetarian korma recipe was one of the very first recipes I ever created. It’s based on a lamb korma recipe that my husband loves. I’m a bit more vegetarian than he is, so I was challenged to convincingly convert one of his favourite recipes into a meatless meal.

The result is one of my family’s favourite dinner. Rich, creamy and satisfying, I always make a double batch then freeze the leftovers. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Vegetarian Korma Serving Options

The best thing about this korma recipe is that it’s actually a complete vegetarian meal without any added rice or grain. Serve it with a salad and you’ve got a nutrient-packed grain-free dinner. Here are a few more serving suggestions.

• Rice: The traditional option for this saucy korma.
• Cauliflower rice: I’m not a huge fan of rice so I usually make rice for the kids then have cauliflower rice myself. I make a large batch, whenever cauliflower’s on sale and freeze it in individual servings.
• Naan bread: I’ll admit that I’m a huge fan of warm naan, especially my homemade gluten-free naan.

Vegetarian Korma with Black Bean and Mushroom

This rich and delicious korma is made with black beans and almonds for a complete vegetarian protein. It’s perfect on rice, with naan or all on its own!

• Author: Emillie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Indian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Paste

• 1 ½ cups onion, coarsely chopped 
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 ½ tbsp ginger, chopped
• 1/2 cup of almonds
• ½ cup of vegetable oil (divided)

Spices

• 2 tsp cumin seed
• 6 green cardamom pods (whole pods)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 ½ tsp ground mace (the outside of a nutmeg, can be replaced with nutmeg)
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp paprika

Remaining ingredients

• 3 cups of button mushrooms 
• 2 cans of black beans (1 1/2 cups dried beans, cooked)
• 1 cup cream (could use coconut cream as a vegan option)
• 2 tsp salt, to taste
• 1 cup plain yogurt (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the almonds, garlic, ginger and onions into a food processer. Grind until they become a smooth paste. Add oil as needed to bring it all together.
2. Heat the remaining oil in a large pot. Lightly fry the cardamom pods and cumin seed for 1 minute.
3. Add the paste and fry for 2 minutes. Then add the rest of the spices. Cook the spices for another 2 minutes, stirring them into the paste.
4. Add the mushrooms and saute with the spices, stirring while they cook for 5 minutes.
5. When the mushrooms have started to release their liquids, add the cream, beans and salt and bring everything to boil.
6. Reduce the heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes.
7. When the korma is finished cooking it will have a nice, thickened sauce. Remove from the heat and serve with a spoonful of yogurt.

Notes

• If you can’t find bite-sized button mushrooms, then it’s fine to halve or quarter larger mushrooms.
• Korma freezes really well. I like to freeze it in pint-sized mason jars for a quick and healthy lunch option.
• For a less spicy korma reduce the amount of garam masala and chilli powder. My kids LOVE the less spicy version of korma! 
• Coconut cream is a perfect replacement for the dairy in this dish. You can even use coconut yogurt instead of yogurt.

Keywords: meatless, vegetarian, healthy, grain-free, low carb, fall, winter