korma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumNeutral/Formal in culinary contexts; the word is a specific culinary term.
Quick answer
What does “korma” mean?
A mild curry dish of Indian origin, typically made with meat or vegetables braised in a yogurt or cream sauce with mild spices.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mild curry dish of Indian origin, typically made with meat or vegetables braised in a yogurt or cream sauce with mild spices.
The term is almost exclusively culinary, with no common figurative extensions. It refers specifically to the style of preparation and the resulting dish.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The dish is equally recognized in both varieties, but British English features it more commonly in everyday cuisine due to the UK's longer and more integrated history with South Asian food culture. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
In British English, 'korma' is a standard, widely-available menu item, often seen as a 'mild' or 'beginner' curry. In American English, it is a known but less ubiquitous dish within the broader category of Indian cuisine.
Frequency
Significantly higher frequency in British English, both in spoken and written contexts (menus, recipes, food writing).
Grammar
How to Use “korma” in a Sentence
[Adjective] + kormakorma + [with/and side dish][verb: order/cook/make/serve] + [determiner] + kormaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “korma” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- We're in the mood for something korma-esque tonight.
- It was a korma-style sauce, not a madras.
American English
- The chef prepared a korma-inspired dish with local cream.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in the context of the restaurant industry or food retail (e.g., 'The new korma ready-meal line exceeded sales targets.').
Academic
Very rare, except in specific culinary, historical, or cultural studies contexts focusing on South Asian cuisine or food history.
Everyday
Common in the context of dining out, ordering food, discussing recipes, or describing food preferences (e.g., 'I don't like spicy food, so I'll have a korma.').
Technical
Used in professional culinary contexts (chef training, recipe development, menu engineering) to denote a specific dish with defined ingredients and techniques.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “korma”
- Misspelling as 'karma' (a different concept entirely).
- Using it as a general term for any curry.
- Pronouncing the 'r' too strongly in British English (it's often silent or very soft).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally and in most modern interpretations, yes. Its defining feature is a mild, creamy, and nutty flavour profile, often achieved with yogurt, cream, coconut, or ground nuts. It is specifically chosen by those avoiding heat.
Both are creamy and mild, but they are distinct dishes. Korma typically involves braising meat in a spiced yogurt-based marinade/sauce, often with a nutty element (almonds, cashews). Butter chicken involves tandoori-cooked chicken added to a tomato-based, butter-and-cream-enriched sauce.
Yes, absolutely. Vegetable korma is common. The dairy yogurt or cream can be substituted with coconut milk, cashew cream, or plant-based yogurts and creams to create a vegan version.
Korma's mildness made it an accessible and popular 'entry point' into Indian cuisine for the British palate. Its creamy richness also aligns with traditional British comfort food profiles, ensuring its lasting popularity on restaurant menus and in supermarkets.
A mild curry dish of Indian origin, typically made with meat or vegetables braised in a yogurt or cream sauce with mild spices.
Korma is usually neutral/formal in culinary contexts; the word is a specific culinary term. in register.
Korma: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːrmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: KORma is a CORm of mild flavour, not a storm of spice.
Conceptual Metaphor
MILDNESS/SAFETY IS A CREAMY DISH (e.g., 'Playing it safe, he chose the korma').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic that defines a korma?