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Indian pub chicken balti recipe

Indian pub chicken balti recipe

This Indian Curry Pub Chicken Balti recipe delivers a savory, spice-infused dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful tomato-based sauce. With aromatic spices and a dash of heat, this pub-style recipe is perfect for those who love bold and hearty flavors. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete meal that captures the essence of Indian cuisine.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients for Balti Base Gravy:
  • 2 large onions, roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2-inch piece of ginger, peeled
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 500ml water
  • Salt to taste
Ingredients for Chicken Balti:
  • 600g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 2 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander for garnish

Method
 

For Balti Base Gravy:
  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
  2. Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until onions are soft and golden, about 10 minutes.
  3. Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Set aside.
For Chicken Balti:
  1. Heat a Balti bowl or heavy-based pan over high heat (around 425°F or 220°C).
  2. Add 3 tbsp vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface.
  3. Add chopped onion, green chilies, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, and cumin. Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Add the chicken pieces. Coat the chicken with the spice mixture and fry for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  6. Pour in 1 cup of Balti base gravy and mix well. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add dried fenugreek leaves, garam masala, and another 1/2 cup of base gravy. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes.
  8. Add salt to taste and a generous sprinkle of fresh coriander. Stir and cook for a final 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
  9. Serve hot in the Balti bowl with naan bread or rice.

Notes

You can serve this dish with fresh naan (garlic naan is also lovely!) Chips (plain, masala or chilli chips are all highly recommended) and also don't forget the sauces and chutneys that complete these desi indian pub meals. You can find the recipes for these sauces right here!
If you like chicken recipes try out this delicious Indian Desi Pub butter chicken recipe right here!!!!