Indian Vegetable Korma with Cashews
A rich and creamy Indian curry featuring tender vegetables simmered in a spiced coconut milk sauce with toasted cashews. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 45 minutes pairs coconut milk, cashews, head cauliflower for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1 head cauliflower
- 2 carrots
- 1 onions
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 cup rice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add 1/2 cup cashews and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant with a nutty aroma. Tip: Watch closely to avoid burning — cashews can go from golden to bitter quickly.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced onion (1/2-inch cubes) and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and fragrant with a sweet aroma. Tip: Don’t stir too early — let the onions develop a golden edge first.
- Step 3: Add 1 head cauliflower (cut into 1/2-inch florets) and 2 carrots (peeled and diced into 1/4-inch rounds) to the pan. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and release moisture. Tip: Add in batches if the pan is overcrowded to ensure even cooking.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp cumin and 1 tsp garam masala, cooking for 30 seconds until the spices become fragrant and the vegetables are coated in a warm, aromatic layer.
- Step 5: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it bubble softly for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Tip: Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture.
- Step 6: Add the toasted cashews to the pan, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the cashews are heated through and the sauce becomes glossy and slightly reduced.
- Step 7: Fluff 1 cup cooked rice (preferably basmati) with a fork. Serve the korma hot, spooned over the rice, garnished with additional cashews if desired. Tip: Let the rice rest for 5 minutes before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Indian Vegetable Korma with Cashews take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Indian Vegetable Korma with Cashews?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep coconut milk from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Indian Vegetable Korma with Cashews?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Indian Vegetable Korma with Cashews for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Indian Vegetable Korma with Cashews?
Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.