Savory and Spicy Beef Balti: A Classic Indian Dish Made Easy

Ingredients

  • 500g Diced Beef
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 2 Onions, finely chopped
  • 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1 inch of Fresh Ginger, grated
  • 2 tsp Ground Coriander
  • 2 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Turmeric
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1 can of Chopped Tomatoes (400g)
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Coriander Leaves, chopped

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onions to the pan and fry them until they become soft and golden brown.
  3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes.
  4. Add the ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder to the pan and stir well to combine with the onions, garlic, and ginger.
  5. Add the diced beef to the pan and cook until it is browned on all sides.
  6. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and stir well to combine.
  7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Add the chopped green and red bell peppers to the pan and stir well to combine.
  9. Continue to simmer the mixture for another 15 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the peppers are cooked to your liking.
  10. Add salt to taste and stir in the chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large Pan - A pan large enough to hold all the ingredients and allow for stirring.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for chopping onions, garlic, and ginger.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board to chop the vegetables and meat.
  • Grater - A tool to grate the fresh ginger.
  • Measuring Spoons - For accurately measuring the ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder.
  • Can Opener - To open the can of chopped tomatoes.
  • Stirring Spoon - A spoon for stirring the ingredients in the pan.
  • Lid - A lid to cover the pan while simmering the mixture.

Recipe variations

  • Chicken Balti: Substitute the beef with diced chicken for a chicken balti version of the recipe.
  • Lamb Balti: Replace the beef with diced lamb to make a flavorful lamb balti.
  • Vegetable Balti: Omit the meat altogether and add a variety of vegetables such as diced potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, peas, and bell peppers to make a delicious vegetable balti.
  • Seafood Balti: Replace the beef with your choice of seafood, such as prawns or fish, to create a tasty seafood balti.
  • Spicy Balti: Increase the amount of chili powder or add some chopped green chilies to make the balti extra spicy.
  • Creamy Balti: Stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking to create a creamy and rich version of the balti.
  • Nutty Balti: Add a handful of crushed cashews or almonds to the dish to give it a nutty and crunchy texture.
  • Extra Vegetables: Add additional vegetables of your choice, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini, to customize the balti according to your taste.
  • Herb-infused Balti: Experiment with adding different herbs like fresh mint or cilantro to enhance the flavors of the dish.
  • Custom Spice Blend: Create your own spice blend by adjusting the quantities of the ground spices or adding additional spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves.

Recipe overview

This Beef Balti recipe is a flavorful and hearty dish that's sure to satisfy your craving for Indian cuisine. Originating from the Baltistan region of Pakistan, this dish has become a popular choice in Indian restaurants worldwide due to its rich flavors and satisfying textures. With ingredients like fresh ginger, ground spices, and tender beef, this recipe offers a wonderful blend of flavors that are sure to impress. The recipe involves browning the beef, sautéing the spices and vegetables, and then allowing the dish to simmer until all the flavors meld together beautifully. By the end of the cooking process, you'll have a fragrant and delicious beef balti that's perfect served with naan or rice. Whether you're new to Indian cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will be a delight to make and even better to eat.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?
  2. Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, lamb, or even tofu if you prefer.
  3. Can I omit or reduce the amount of chili powder?
  4. Yes, you can adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
  5. Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
  6. Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or potatoes to customize the dish to your liking.
  7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  8. Yes, you can make the beef balti ahead of time and refrigerate it. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
  9. Can I freeze the leftovers?
  10. Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of beef balti in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
  11. Can I serve beef balti with rice?
  12. Absolutely! Beef balti pairs perfectly with steamed basmati rice. You can also serve it with naan bread or roti.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's Knife - A sharp knife for slicing and dicing the meat and vegetables.
  • Large Pan - A deep, wide pan for cooking the beef and sauce.
  • Wooden Spoon - A utensil for stirring and mixing the ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring Spoons - Small spoons for accurately measuring the spices and seasonings.
  • Can Opener - A tool to open the can of chopped tomatoes.
  • Serving Bowl - A bowl for serving the Beef Balti.
  • Cooked Rice - A side dish to serve with the Beef Balti.
  • Naan Bread - Optional bread to serve alongside the dish.

Origin stories

Despite its status as a beloved dish in Britain, the origins of Beef Balti are not as steeped in ancient history as one might expect. This delightfully aromatic and flavorful dish actually has its roots in Birmingham, England circa 1971. It was during this time that the city saw an influx of immigrants from the Indian subcontinent, particularly from the Kashmir region. These immigrants brought with them not only their culinary skills but also their vibrant culture and tradition. One of these skilled immigrants owned and ran a restaurant in Birmingham's Balti Triangle, an area so named for the proliferation of Balti houses. The story goes that this restaurateur developed a new style of curry to cater to the western palate, which was served in a Balti bowl - a flat-bottomed wok-like dish. This innovative cooking and serving method gave birth to the Balti Curry, named after the dish in which it was cooked and served. It quickly gained popularity, with its distinctive blend of spices and quick cooking method, and became a staple of British-Indian cuisine. Despite its relatively recent inception, the Balti curry has made a significant mark on the global culinary map.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.