How to make Chicken Tikka Balti (BIR) Indian Restaurant style

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll guide you through making Chicken Tikka Balti in the British Indian Restaurant style. This delicious dish features marinated chicken cooked with a blend of spices and fresh vegetables, delivering rich flavors that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned cook or trying it for the first time, this step-by-step guide will help you create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients for your Chicken Tikka Balti. This ensures you have everything ready for a smooth cooking process.

Ingredients List

• 1/2 Onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 Green Pepper, diced
• 1/4 Red Pepper, diced
• 1/2 Medium Tomato, chopped
• 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 Teaspoon Dried Fenugreek leaves (Kasoori Methi)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic and Ginger Paste
• 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Paste
• 1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric
• 1 Teaspoon Curry Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon Coriander Powder
• 1/4 Teaspoon Cumin Powder
• 1/4 Teaspoon Garam Masala
• 2 Dessert Spoons Tomato Puree
• 3 Green Chillies, slit
• 1 Dessert Spoon Balti Paste
• 250ml Onion Gravy (prepared in advance)

Tip: Having all ingredients prepped and measured will streamline your cooking process.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Start by sautéing your vegetables to build a flavorful base for your dish.

Instructions

1. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Stir in the green and red peppers, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the chopped tomato and cook until it softens.

Practical Tip: Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Introduce the spices to enhance the flavor of your Chicken Tikka Balti.

Instructions

1. Add the salt, dried fenugreek leaves, garlic and ginger paste, and garlic paste to the pan.
2. Mix well and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Incorporate turmeric, curry powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala, stirring continuously.

Common Pitfall to Avoid: Be careful not to burn the spices; cook them gently to release their flavors.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Gravy

Now it’s time to add the chicken and onion gravy to the pan.

Instructions

1. Add your pre-cooked chicken pieces to the pan and stir well to coat them in the spice mixture.
2. Pour in the prepared onion gravy and mix thoroughly.
3. Stir in the tomato puree and balti paste, ensuring everything is well combined.

Tip: If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 5: Add the Green Chillies

Add the green chillies for a bit of heat and flavor.

Instructions

1. Stir in the slit green chillies.
2. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Practical Tip: Adjust the number of green chillies based on your heat preference.

Step 6: Serve Your Chicken Tikka Balti

Your Chicken Tikka Balti is now ready to serve!

Instructions

1. Transfer the dish to a serving bowl.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro if available.
3. Serve hot with naan or rice for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully made Chicken Tikka Balti in the British Indian Restaurant style. Remember, the key to a great dish lies in the quality of your ingredients and the balance of spices. Enjoy your delicious creation, and don’t hesitate to experiment with the spices to suit your taste. Happy cooking!