Have you ever wondered what gives Korma curry its distinct flavor? The answer is the Korma curry paste.
Korma curry paste is a blend of spices, herbs, and other ingredients that add depth and flavor to the dish.
While you can find Korma curry paste at most grocery stores, it’s also easy to make at home.
And if you can’t find korma curry paste, there are several substitutes that will work just as well.
In this article, we’ll share the five best substitutes for korma curry paste.
What is Korma Curry Paste?
Korma curry paste is a type of Indian curry paste that is made from a blend of spices, herbs, and other ingredients.
It is typically used to make Korma, a type of Indian curry.
The paste can also be used to make other types of curries, as well as soups, stews, and sauces.
Korma curry paste is believed to have originated in the Indian state of Kerala.
The word “korma” comes from the Sanskrit word “krama,” which means “to cook”.
The paste is made by grinding or blending a variety of spices, herbs, and other ingredients, including onion, garlic, ginger, chili pepper, coriander, cumin, turmeric, and cloves.
The exact ingredients and proportions vary depending on the region and tradition.
Korma curry paste has a rich and complex flavor that is both sweet and spicy.
It is usually milder than other types of curry pastes.
The paste can be used to make both vegetarian and meat-based dishes.
When using korma curry paste, it is important to simmer the dish for a long time to allow the flavors to develop fully.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Korma Curry Paste
If you’re out of korma curry paste and in a pinch, there are several good substitutes that will work in a pinch.
Here are the five best substitutes for korma curry paste.
1 – Massaman
Massaman is a Thai curry paste that is absolutely packed with flavor.
It’s made with a variety of spices, including lemongrass, galangal, cumin, and cloves, which give it a complex and well-rounded flavor.
The paste is also relatively thick, making it perfect for use in stews and curries.
In terms of taste, Massaman is fairly sweet and mildly spicy, with a hint of sourness from the lemongrass.
It’s definitely one of the unique curry pastes out there.
If you can’t find Massaman curry paste at your local grocery store, you can easily substitute Korma curry paste.
Just be aware that the dish will be significantly milder without the addition of Massaman.
2 – Tikka Masala Paste
Tikka masala paste is a type of Indian curry paste that is made from a blend of spices, tomatoes, and yogurt.
It is typically used to make chicken tikka masala, but it can also be used to make other dishes, such as lamb tikka masala or shrimp tikka masala.
The paste has a rich, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of heat from the chili peppers.
The texture is smooth and creamy, making it easy to spread on chicken or meat.
Tikka masala paste can be found in most Indian grocery stores or online.
To substitute it for korma curry paste, simply add more chili peppers to the korma curry paste to achieve the same flavor profile.
3 – Jalfrezi Paste
Jalfrezi paste is a vibrant and flavorful paste that is perfect for livening up any dish.
The paste is made from a blend of chili peppers, ginger, and garlic, giving it a savory and slightly spicy taste.
The texture of the paste is thick and creamy, making it perfect for coating chicken or vegetables.
Jalfrezi paste can be used as a substitute for korma curry paste in any recipe.
Simply add the paste to your pan along with the other ingredients and cook until the desired consistency is reached.
Whether you’re looking for a new way to spice up your favorite dish or you’re trying to recreate your favorite restaurant meal, jalfrezi paste is the perfect ingredient to add some flavor to your meal.
4 – Balti Paste
Balti paste is a type of Indian curry paste that originates from the Balti region of Pakistan.
It is made with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala.
The paste has a rich and aromatic flavor with a slightly spicy kick.
Balti paste can be used as a substitute for Korma curry paste.
When cooked with chicken or lamb, Balti paste gives the dish a deep, rich flavor.
The spice blend can also be used to make vegetarian curries, such as chickpea and potato curry.
To make Balti curry, simply cook the paste with your chosen meat or vegetables until it is fragrant and the meat is cooked through.
Serve with steamed rice or naan bread for a delicious and easy meal.
5 – Rogan josh
Rogan josh is an Indian curry that originates from the Kashmiri region.
It is usually made with lamb or goat, but it can also be made with chicken or beef.
The meat is cooked in a gravy made from tomatoes, yogurt, and a variety of spices, including cardamom, cloves, cumin, and pepper.
The resulting dish is rich and flavorful, with a deep red color that is often compared to that of a rose.
Rogan josh is typically served with rice or naan bread and can be mild or spicy depending on the cook’s preferences.
For those who enjoy Indian cuisine but are looking for a change from the more popular korma curry paste, Rogan josh is an excellent option.
Its unique flavor profile and storied history make it a tasty and interesting choice for any Curry night.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Korma curry paste is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.
If you are unable to find Korma curry paste at your local grocery store, there are several substitutes that can be used in its place.
Tikka masala paste, jalfrezi paste, balti paste, and Rogan Josh are all excellent substitutes for Korma curry paste.
Each of these pastes has a unique flavor profile that can add new dimensions to your favorite dishes.
So, next time you’re in the mood for Indian food, be sure to try one of these delicious alternatives to Korma curry paste.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Korma Curry Paste

Ingredients
- Massaman
- Tikka Masala Paste
- Jalfrezi Paste
- Balti Paste
- Rogan josh
Instructions
- Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
- Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.