Have you ever tried Chicken Balti? This traditional dish has a rich history that dates back to the 1970s in Birmingham, England.

Created by Pakistani immigrants, Chicken Balti has since become a popular staple in Indian restaurants worldwide. The word “balti” actually refers to the type of pot in which the dish is cooked, giving it a distinctive flavor and presentation.

The recipe for Chicken Balti may seem intimidating at first, but don’t let that deter you. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can recreate this flavorful dish in your own kitchen.

The combination of spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander blend together beautifully to create a dish that is both savory and aromatic.

The process of preparing Chicken Balti may require some precision and attention to detail, but the end result is well worth the effort.

From marinating the chicken to slow-cooking it in the balti pot, each step adds layers of flavor and complexity to the dish. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, making Chicken Balti at home is a rewarding and satisfying experience that will impress your family and friends.

So why not spice up your next dinner with a taste of tradition and try your hand at making Chicken Balti? With a bit of practice and a lot of love, you’ll soon be whipping up this classic dish like a pro.

Get ready to savor the flavors of Chicken Balti and transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Birmingham with every delicious bite.

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are a flavorful cut of meat that is often used in Indian cuisine. They are known for their juicy and tender texture, making them perfect for dishes like Chicken Balti.

Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used for cooking the chicken and vegetables in this recipe. It helps to prevent sticking and adds richness to the dish.

Onions: Onions are a staple in many Indian dishes, adding sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.

Garlic: Garlic is used to add a savory and aromatic element to the dish. It pairs well with the other spices in the recipe.

Ginger: Ginger adds a warm and spicy flavor to the Chicken Balti. It is often used in Indian cooking for its unique taste.

Green Chillies: Green chillies add heat and a pop of color to the dish. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.

Ground Cumin: Ground cumin is a key spice in Indian cuisine, adding a warm and earthy flavor to the dish.

Ground Coriander: Ground coriander has a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the other spices in the recipe.

Turmeric: Turmeric adds a vibrant yellow color to the Chicken Balti and has a warm and slightly bitter flavor.

Paprika: Paprika adds a mild heat and rich color to the dish. It is often used in Indian cooking for its smoky flavor.

Garam Masala: Garam masala is a blend of warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. It adds a depth of flavor to the dish.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes add acidity and sweetness to the Chicken Balti. They help to balance out the richness of the dish.

Tomato Puree: Tomato puree adds a concentrated tomato flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste of the Chicken Balti.

Fresh Coriander: Fresh coriander, also known as cilantro, adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish. It is often used as a garnish in Indian cuisine.

Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the dish and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle heat and earthiness to the Chicken Balti. It complements the other spices in the recipe.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For serving suggestions, you can enjoy your delicious Chicken Balti with fluffy white rice, naan bread, or roti. For a complete meal, you can also serve it with some yogurt raita, cucumber salad, or pickled onions on the side. Don’t forget to garnish with some fresh coriander leaves before serving.

• To add some extra flavor to your Chicken Balti, you can try adding some chopped bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes along with the onions and tomatoes. This will give your dish a more wholesome and colorful look.
• If you prefer a spicier kick to your Balti, you can increase the number of green chillies or add some red chilli powder to the spice mix. You can also garnish with some extra green chillies for an added heat.
• If you want to make your Chicken Balti creamier, you can stir in some coconut milk or heavy cream towards the end of cooking. This will give your dish a rich and luxurious texture.
• For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can replace the chicken thighs with paneer cubes, tofu, or a mix of your favorite vegetables. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the choice of protein.
• You can also experiment with different spice blends to create your own unique twist on the classic Chicken Balti recipe. Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Balti?

Chicken Balti is a popular British Indian dish that originated in Birmingham, UK. It is a spicy curry made with chicken, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices cooked in a wok-like pan called a balti dish.

Is Chicken Balti really spicy?

The level of spiciness in Chicken Balti can vary depending on the recipe and the chef. Typically, it is a medium to hot curry dish, but you can always adjust the amount of chili powder or peppers to suit your taste preferences.

What makes Chicken Balti different from other curries?

Chicken Balti is unique because it is cooked and served in a balti dish, a flat-bottomed wok-like pan that allows the spices to infuse with the ingredients quickly. This method of cooking gives the dish a distinct flavor and aroma.

What can I serve with Chicken Balti?

Chicken Balti is traditionally served with naan bread, rice, and a side of raita or chutney. You can also pair it with some onion bhajis or samosas for a complete Indian meal.

Can I make Chicken Balti vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of Chicken Balti by substituting the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), tofu, or a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, potatoes, and peas. The cooking method and spices can remain the same.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Chicken Tikka Masala
• Chicken Shahi
• Saffron Chicken
• Chicken Rogan Josh
• Chicken Vindaloo

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Chicken Balti

by Nabeela Kauser

This vibrant dish packs a punch with its rich blend of spices and tangy flavors. Perfect for fans of bold and flavorful cuisine, this recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional chicken dishes.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine British, Pakistani

Servings 4

Calories 398 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 500 g Chicken Thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
• ▢ 2 tbsp Oil
• ▢ 2 Onions finely chopped
• ▢ 4 cloves Garlic minced
• ▢ 1- inch piece Ginger grated
• ▢ 2 Green Chillies finely chopped
• ▢ 2 tsp Ground Cumin
• ▢ 2 tsp Ground Coriander
• ▢ 1 tsp Turmeric
• ▢ 1 tsp Paprika
• ▢ 1 tsp Garam Masala
• ▢ 400 g Tomatoes canned and chopped
• ▢ 100 ml Water
• ▢ 1 tbsp Tomato Puree
• ▢ 1 handful Coriander fresh
• ▢ Salt
• ▢ Black Pepper

Instructions

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chillies, and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides.
• Sprinkle the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, and garam masala over the chicken, and stir well to coat.
• Pour in the chopped tomatoes, water, and tomato puree, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan.
• Allow the balti to cook gently for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
• Once cooked, remove from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh coriander.
• Serve the chicken balti hot with basmati rice or naan bread.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of green chillies according to your desired level of spiciness.

Feel free to garnish with additional fresh coriander leaves before serving for added freshness and flavour.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 398kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 22gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 123mgSodium: 322mgPotassium: 600mgFibre: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 288IUVitamin C: 19mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 78mgIron: 3mg

Keyword Chicken, Chicken Balti, Chicken Curry, Cooking, Curry, Food, Recipe

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