Do you love spicy and flavorful Indian food? Do you want to make your own chicken balti at home, just like the Hairy Bikers did on their TV show? If you answered yes to both questions, then you are in luck.
In this article, I will show you how to make a delicious and authentic chicken balti, using the Hairy Bikers recipe as a guide. You will learn what ingredients you need, how to prepare them, and how to cook them in a traditional balti pan.
By the end of this article, you will be able to impress your friends and family with your homemade chicken balti, and enjoy a mouthwatering meal that is bursting with flavor.
What is Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti?
Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti is a delicious and authentic chicken curry that is cooked and served in a metal pan called a balti. The recipe is inspired by the traditional cuisine of the Baltistan region of Pakistan and was popularized by the Hairy Bikers, a duo of British chefs and TV personalities who love to explore different cultures and cuisines. Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti is a spicy and flavorful dish that is easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
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Why You Love this Recipe
There are many reasons to love this recipe, such as:
- Ease of Preparation: This recipe is straightforward, requiring no specialized skills or equipment. You can utilize a standard ovenproof casserole dish, readily available in most kitchens. The ingredients are simple and accessible, and the cooking process is direct, making it a hassle-free experience.
- Flavorful Delight: The stew offers a rich and robust taste. The beef is succulently tender, the vegetables are perfectly cooked, absorbing the flavors of the savory sauce enriched with red wine and Worcestershire sauce. Each spoonful is a delightful experience, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Customizable: Adaptability is a key aspect of this recipe. Feel free to experiment with different cuts of beef or vegetable choices. Adjusting the spiciness or the sauce’s consistency allows you to tailor the dish to your personal taste preferences.
Ingredients Needed to Make for Chicken Balti?
To make chicken balti, you will need the following ingredients:
- 800 grams of boneless and skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped
- A thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- 4 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- A handful of fresh coriander, chopped
How to Prepare the Ingredients for Chicken Balti?
Before you start cooking, you need to prepare the ingredients for the chicken balti. Here are the steps to follow:
- Toast and Grind the Spices: To toast the spices, heat a small frying pan over medium-high heat, and add one teaspoon of cumin seeds, one teaspoon of coriander seeds, and half a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds. Toast them for about two minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until they are fragrant and slightly browned. Be careful not to burn them, as they will turn bitter. Transfer the toasted spices to a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle, and grind them to a fine powder. Add one teaspoon of turmeric, one teaspoon of paprika, one teaspoon of garam masala, one teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of pepper, and mix well. This is your spice mix for the chicken balti.
- Marinate the Chicken: To marinate the chicken, place the chicken pieces in a large bowl, and add half of the spice mix. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly, and set aside for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour, to let the flavors infuse.
- Chop the Onion, Garlic, Ginger, and Tomatoes: To chop the onion, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes, use a sharp knife and a cutting board, and chop them as finely as you can. You can also use a food processor to speed up the process, but be careful not to over-process them, as they will turn mushy. You want to have some texture and bite in the curry.
How to Cook Chicken Balti in a Balti Pan?
Now that you have prepared the ingredients, you are ready to cook the chicken balti in a balti pan. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Heat the Oil
- Preheat the balti pan over high heat.
- Pour in the oil and heat until it’s hot and shimmering, but not smoking.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan.
- Fry them for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Depending on the pan size, you might need to do this in batches.
- Once done, transfer the fried chicken to a plate and keep it warm.
Step 3: Fry the Onion
- Lower the heat to medium-high and add the onions to the pan.
- Fry for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and golden. Add a little water if needed to prevent sticking or burning.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger
- Stir in the garlic and ginger.
- Continue frying for another 5 minutes, until they become fragrant and slightly caramelized.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Remaining Spice Mix
- Incorporate the tomatoes and the rest of the spice mix into the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The tomatoes should soften and the sauce should thicken. For a smoother sauce, mash the tomatoes.
Step 6: Add the Chicken and Fresh Coriander
- Return the chicken to the pan and mix it well with the sauce.
- Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through and the flavors are well combined.
- Sprinkle fresh coriander over the chicken balti.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve the Chicken Balti hot, ideally in the same balti pan for an authentic presentation.
Enjoy your flavorful and aromatic Chicken Balti, cooked to perfection in the traditional balti pan!
What Do I Serve With Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti?
- Bread Varieties: Complement the stew with a choice of crusty bread such as sourdough or baguette, ideal for savoring the rich sauce.
- Rice Options: Serve alongside white, brown, or aromatic basmati rice, providing a perfect balance to the hearty stew.
- Noodle Alternatives: Introduce a different texture with various noodles like egg or rice noodles.
- Mashed Potatoes: Offer a side of creamy mashed potatoes, a classic pairing that adds smoothness to the meal.
- Fresh Salads: Include a light, green salad to bring a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti
- Spice Preparation: Enhance flavors by toasting and grinding your spices, releasing essential oils and aromas.
- Marinate the Chicken: For 15 minutes to an hour, marinate in the spice mix to ensure flavorful, juicy chicken.
- High Heat Cooking: Use high heat for a good sear, resulting in a flavorful and thick sauce.
- Frequent Stirring: Regularly stir the dish to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking or burning.
- Balanced Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook, ensuring a well-balanced flavor profile.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic, ginger, and herbs for a more vibrant flavor in the dish.
- Correct Oil Choice: Opt for oils with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, for better frying without burning.
- Layering Flavors: Add spices at different stages of cooking to create depth in the dish’s flavor.
- Garnish Wisely: Garnish with fresh coriander or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to enhance freshness and taste.
- Cooking to Perfection: Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked but remains tender, avoiding overcooking which can lead to dryness.
Variations of Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti
If you want to try some variations of Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti, here are some ideas that you can experiment with:
- Vegetable Balti: Replace chicken with a variety of vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, carrots, peas, beans, or mushrooms, and add paneer for protein.
- Lamb Balti: Use boneless lamb instead of chicken, cooking longer for tenderness. Add yogurt or cream for richness.
- Fish Balti: Substitute with firm white fish like cod. Reduce cooking time and consider adding coconut milk for a tropical touch.
How do I store Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti Leftovers?
- Cool Completely: Let Chicken Balti cool before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
- Label and Date: Mark the container with contents and storage date.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: Store in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for longer storage. Allow expansion space in the container.
How do I reheat Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti Leftovers?
If you want to reheat Hairy Bikers Chicken Balti leftovers, you can do so in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. To reheat them properly, you need to follow these steps:
- Thaw If Frozen: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting.
- Microwave Reheating: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, until hot and bubbly.
- Stovetop Reheating: Simmer in a saucepan with added water or broth until thoroughly heated.
- Oven Reheating: Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F (320°F fan), covered, adding water or broth as needed.