Balti Recipe: A Hearty And Flavorful Dish

Introduction

Originating from the northern regions of Pakistan, the balti recipe is a delicious and aromatic dish that has become a staple in many households. Traditionally cooked in a wok-like pan called a balti, this dish is known for its rich blend of spices and tender meat or vegetables. The balti recipe has become increasingly popular in the UK, where it has been adapted and modified to suit local tastes. In this article, we will explore the traditional balti recipe and provide you with a step-by-step guide to making this mouth-watering dish.

Ingredients

Before we begin, let's take a look at the ingredients you will need to make this balti recipe:

For the Curry:

• 1 pound boneless chicken, lamb or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 onions, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Balti:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 green pepper, sliced
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Begin by washing and cutting the meat into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the meat with the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, and salt. Toss the meat to coat it evenly with the spices.

Step 2: Saute the Onion, Garlic, and Ginger

In a large skillet or balti, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 3: Add the Meat

Once the onions, garlic, and ginger are fragrant, add the meat to the skillet. Cook the meat until it is browned on all sides, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes

Once the meat is browned, add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and green chilies to the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Cook the Curry

Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the curry to simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a little water to maintain the consistency.

Step 6: Prepare the Balti

While the curry is simmering, prepare the balti. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until it is soft and translucent. Add the green and red peppers and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Combine the Curry and Balti

Once the curry is fully cooked, add it to the balti pan. Stir to combine all the ingredients and heat the mixture over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the balti is heated through, garnish it with chopped cilantro and serve it hot with naan bread or rice.

Nutrition

The balti recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that is rich in protein and essential nutrients. A serving of this dish contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the type of meat used. This dish is also high in vitamin C, iron, and calcium, making it a healthy and nutritious option for any meal.

Conclusion

The balti recipe is a delicious and aromatic dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich blend of spices and tender meat or vegetables, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Follow our step-by-step guide to making this mouth-watering dish, and enjoy the flavors of Pakistan in the comfort of your own home.