Nine Gems Korma, a gourmet dish served in Indian restaurants, originates on the historic theme of nine gems, displayed in Emperor Akbar’s crown during the Moghul rule. The gems are dry fruits like almonds, cashew nuts, pistachios, apricots, cherries, cranberries, dates, pineapples, raisins, and vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, beans, and peas.

Story: Emperor Akbar needed a special dish made to celebrate his birthday and also be symbolic of the nine gems on his crown as well as his famous courtiers like Birbal (chief minister), Tansen (musician), and dancer (Anar kali). The chef represented each of them with nuts, dry fruits, and vegetables.

Cauliflower Nutrition Facts

GI = 15 (low) GL= 2 Minerals Vitamins
Energy 25 cal 1% Sodium 30 mg 2% Folates 57 mcg 14%
Carb. 4.97g 4% Potassium 299 mg 6% Niacin 0.507 mg 3%
Protein 1.92g 4% Calcium 22 mg 2% Pantothenic acid 0.667 mg 13%
Total fat 0.28g 1% Copper 0.03 9mg 4.5% Pyridoxine 0.184 mg 14%
Dietary Fiber 2g 5% Iron 0.42mg 5% Riboflavin 0.060 mg 4.5%
Cholesterol 0mg 0% Magnesium 15mg 3.5% Thiamin 0.050 mg 4%
Photo nutrients Manganese 0.155 mg 7% Vitamin A 0 IU 0%
Carotene B 0 mcg Zinc 0.27 mg 2.5% Vitamin C 48.2mg 80%
Lutein Zeaxanthin 1 mcg Vitamin E 0.08 mg 0.5%
Vitamin K 15.5mcg 13%
Cauliflower Nutrition profile per 100g raw
Source USDA National Nutrition database

Health Benefits of Cauliflower

  • Improves brain health:  Cauliflower contains Choline and Phosphorous which are effective in repairing cell membranes, essential for the efficient functioning of the brain and nervous system in transmitting nerve signals. Additionally, Potassium and vitamin B6 in cauliflower plays an important role in brain health maintenance and proper nerve communication.
  • Controls Diabetes:  The potassium content in cauliflower helps in regulating glucose metabolism. It is also utilized by the pancreas to secrete the insulin hormone that combats high blood sugar in the body. Vitamin B6 present in the cauliflower is effective in enhancing the tolerance of glucose in patients with gestational diabetes.

Spice Health Power

  • Turmeric powder: reduces inflammation, heals wounds, improves skin health, protects cognitive abilities and the digestive tract, eases menstrual difficulties, eliminates depression, slows down aging, and prevents cancer.
  • Fennel seeds fight bad breath: Chewing on fennel seeds increases saliva production washing out the bacteria-fighting the germs that cause bad breath. They also help in milk production for lactating mothers with Anethole a phytoestrogen that mimics estrogen and increases the production of breast milk.
  • Poppy seeds: improve female fertility, skin and hair health, sleep and vision,  optimize digestion, protect heart health, increase blood flow, strengthen bones, regulate the nervous system, and prevent type 2 diabetes.
  • Curry powder: offers protection against heart and Alzheimer’s disease with Curcumin in Turmeric, improves bone health, boosts immunity, and increases the liver’s ability to remove toxins from the body.
  • Coriander cumin powder: cumin is a good source of potassium and copper. Potassium helps control blood pressure while copper is needed for the production of red blood cells.
  • Cilantro leaves: reduces skin inflammation, relieves skin disorders, reduces cholesterol levels, treats salmonella-based illness, diarrhea, and mouth ulcers, promotes healthy bones, and beneficial for diabetics.

Method to cook (Nine Gems ) Navratan Korma

  • Cut cauliflower into florets. Snip beans ends and cut in 2″ strips.(5 min.) 
  • Peel and cube potatoes and carrots. Shell peas if using fresh ones.(5 min.) 
  • Rinse vegetables. Cook with salt and turmeric in the microwave.(5 min.) 
  • Peel and chop onions. 
  • Heat 1tbsp. oil, add onions and saute until translucent. (2 min.) 
  • Soak fennel and poppy seeds in  1/2 cup hot water. (2 min.) 
  • Grind seeds, spice powders and onions to a paste in a blender.(2 min.) 
  • Heat rest of oil, add ground masala; cook until oil rises. (2 min.) 
  • Add cooked vegetables, dry fruits, 1cup water; cook in sauce.(5 min.) 
  • Stir in the cream cheese or sour cream to blend well.
  • Garnish with pineapple slices and cilantro leaves.(2 min.) 

Serve Navratan Korma with Quinoa, Rice Pilaf, Biryani, Pooris, or Naans.

TIPS
To save on cutting time use frozen cauliflower, beans, carrots & chopped onions
navratan= nine gems; korma= sauce Use non-dairy cream for VEGAN

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