Flavorful Chicken Balti
![_bccf1deb-d702-4384-9f00-f4e5192523d4](https://healthysixty.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/bccf1deb-d702-4384-9f00-f4e5192523d4.jpg)
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Description:
Chicken Balti is a popular and flavorful curry dish that originated in the United Kingdom. It is known for its rich and spicy tomato-based sauce, and it's typically cooked and served in a special type of flat-bottomed wok-like pan called a "Balti dish." Here's a basic recipe for making Chicken Balti:
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Squeeze of lemon juice
Method:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and salt. Add the chicken pieces, coat them well with the marinade, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. You can refrigerate it for a few hours for better flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it's no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Prepare the Balti Curry:
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
- Add Spices and Aromatics:
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, and turmeric. Cook for a couple of minutes until the spices release their aromas.
- Add Tomatoes and Peppers:
- Add the chopped tomatoes, green bell pepper, and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the peppers are slightly tender.
- Add Tomato Paste:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a few more minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Return the Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, mixing it well with the sauce.
- Simmer and Garnish:
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Finish and Serve:
- Just before serving, squeeze a little lemon juice over the dish and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.