The difference between Korma and Pasanda

Pasanda!

Gosht Avad Korma was a popular dish on our previous menu. It literally meant Lamb Korma from Avad. Gosht is the Indian word for lamb/mutton (goat) and Avad is a northwestern frontier province in India.

We’ve replaced Korma with Pasanda on our new menu.

What is the difference, you may ask?

Historically, Korma and Pasanda are two totally different dishes.

Korma is a pale yellow mutton curry. It has yogurt, cardamom, black pepper, ginger and lots of saffron. Ground almonds are cooked in to give it a smooth, creamy texture. Sometimes dried fruits may be added. In essence, Korma is pale yellow creamy mild sauce made of yogurt and almonds.

Meaning “like,” Pasanda refers to a dish that everyone will like, from children to beginners to old hands. It’s a creamy white curry with yogurt, ground cashews and cardamom. Cream may be added for light texture. In essence, Pasanda is a white creamy mild sauce made with yogurt, cream and cashews. Pasanda is milder than Korma.

We at Heritage India have added saffron to give our Pasanda an orange color.

In modern recipes, the difference between Korma and Pasanda gravy has all but disappeared. For cost, Korma does not use saffron. Pasanda may substitute cashews with almonds. Both curries remain mild and contain yogurt. Both sauces may include cream of coconut and dairy cream.

For all you Korma lovers, Heritage India now gives you Pasanda with chicken, lamb or cottage cheese.