Kormas are typically served with Indian breads such as naan, paratha, roti, chapati, or with rice-based dishes. North Indian and Pakistani kormas are typically milder in taste, while in South India and Sri Lanka, the dish is called kurma and is much spicier. 

The most popular varieties of this dish are:

• Shahi
• Mughlai
• South Indian
• Kashmiri

Origin of korma

This dish most likely originated in Central Asia, where it is known today as kavurma. Another origin story has it that this food is derived from the Persian dish, koresh. Later on, the Mughals brought it to India, where it became quickly popular. According to some historians, the Indian or Mughlai version was created in the kitchen of Akbar the Great by Mir Bakawal, the master of kitchens and one of the court’s nine gems. The name of the dish was meant to honor the ‘kurma’ tribe of the Rajputs.

Nutrition

This is a rich and high-calorie dish. As it is high in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, this dish should be consumed in moderation. However, this food contains vitamins A & C, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, and potassium in good amounts. Depending on the type and its ingredients, the nutrients may vary. 

Commercial production

Most restaurants make this food from scratch with fresh ingredients. First, the gravy is made and the ingredients are braised until cooked. Mughlai and Kashmiri versions never contain tomatoes and are prepared with onions, cashews, and whole spices. These varieties are not too hot. The South Indian dish often contains tomato and coconut-based gravy which can be very spicy. In British restaurants, this food is often served mildly sweet. 

Korma recipes

This is a versatile dish that varies according to region. Here are a few korma recipes:

• Chicken Korma
• North Indian Mutton Curry
• Vegetable Kurma
• Shahi Paneer Kurma
• Navratan Korma
• Sri Lankan Mild Curry
• Kashmiri Mutton
• Coconut Vegetarian Kurma
• British Indian Chicken Korma

FDA regulations

The gravy for this food contains yogurt and cream. The FDA describes yogurt as the food produced by culturing one or more of the optional dairy ingredients. Cream is described as a cream containing less than 36 percent milkfat and may or may not be pasteurized. South Indian korma using tomatoes must follow regulations for the most frequently consumed raw vegetables. 

The same goes for any vegetable added to this food, though some fall under the rarely consumed raw list. Meat grading and quality is regulated by the USDA. However, the FDA defines spice (an integral part of korma) as any aromatic vegetable substance in the whole, broken, or ground form, whose significant function in food is seasoning rather than nutritional.

References

Bisma Tirmizi, Food Stories: The royal Korma, Dawn, https://www.dawn.com/news/1108698 

Petrina Verma Sarkar, What Is Korma?, The Spruce Eats, https://www.thespruceeats.com/indian-korma-definition-1957491