Question: What is Korma masala?
By: Kelli Salem
Published: January 7, 2011

I bought a deep yellow spice mix at a farmer's market called "korma masala."  I got an Indian cookbook (for beginners) for Christmas, but korma masala is not an ingredient in any of the recipes.  The recipes mainly call for garam masala.  Is garam masala the same thing as korma masala or can they be substituted interchangeably?  If not, what can I use korma masala for?  I am sooo confused!  Thanks.

Answers:
Chris Paulk

They are both spice blends with- depending on where you get the recipe, they are very different. The main difference would be the combination of spices and heat. There is no definitive recipe for either, but some general guidelines in the spices. I would be tempted to use them interchangeably. You could get two completely different entrees -just by changing the spices!
miansari66

Korma or Qorma masala is a blend of Chilli powder, Haldi powder, Coriander powder, Cumin powder, and garam masala in varies ratio accrding to region and community. Dehli wala korma is high in chilli and redish in colour, while South Indian qorma is mild in pungency and browinsh in colour. However Pakistani korma is redish in colour and not too much chilli (pungency).
Korma flavour is important, it is produced by cardamom green (used whole pods) and yoghurt. If fresh yoghurt (sweet) is used it will produce less flavour, if one day old yoghurt(sour) is used it will produced better korma flavour and aroma and taste (slightly sour). Black pepper whole and cloves whole produce extra aroma and taste. kindly visit my qorma recipe on foodista
http://www.foodista.com/recipe/ZSZWRSKT/qormakorma
Kelli Salem

Thanks so much to you both!