When I first tasted a balti curry dish at a small restaurant in Spain, I was surprised by how different it was from the Indian curries I grew up eating at home. It came bubbling hot, served in a steel wok-like pan called a “balti bowl,” and had a rich, thick sauce that clung beautifully to soft naan bread. Since then, I’ve been hooked on learning how to make this at home.
If you’ve ever wondered what is balti dish or wanted to try balti dish recipes, this guide will walk you through everything — from its background to a simple one-pot balti curry recipe you can recreate in your own kitchen.
What is Balti Dish?
Balti curry is not originally from India but from the UK . It’s a curry cooked quickly over high heat in a thin steel pan (the balti bowl), using fresh spices, tomatoes, and onions to create a flavorful sauce. Unlike heavy restaurant curries, balti is lighter, fresher, and usually served with naan bread instead of rice.
The best thing about Indian-inspired balti dishes is that you can make them in many ways — with chicken, lamb, prawns, or even just vegetables.
Why I Love Cooking Balti at Home
I used to think making balti curry was complicated, but after trying a few recipes, I realised it’s actually one of the easiest curries to master. Everything happens in one pot, and the flavours come together quickly.
For busy evenings, I love this dish because it’s comforting yet doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The sizzling spices and the aroma of ginger and garlic make me feel like I’m back in that cosy Playa Blanca restaurant.
Ingredients Of Balti Dishes
Here’s a simple list to make your own balti curry recipe at home:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for warmth)
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of chopped tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
Step-by-Step Balti Curry Recipe
Step 1: Fry the Base
Heat oil in a wide pan or balti dish. Add the chopped onions and cook until golden brown. This step is important because it gives the curry its depth of flavour.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for a minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Toast the Spices
Add coriander, cumin, turmeric, chilli powder, and cinnamon stick. Toasting the spices in the oil brings out their flavours.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Add tomatoes and tomato puree. Let them cook until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens slightly. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Stir in the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook on medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Step 6: Finish with Garam Masala
Just before serving, sprinkle in garam masala for that signature warm, fragrant flavour. Garnish with fresh coriander.
Tips for Beginners
- Don’t rush the onions — golden onions make a huge difference.
- Use chicken thighs if you want a richer taste (they stay juicy).
- Balti is best eaten fresh — straight from the pan with naan bread.
- Adjust spice levels so even kids or spice-shy friends can enjoy it.
The Base Sauce of Balti Dishes
The secret to a good balti curry recipe lies in its base sauce. Unlike heavy, creamy Indian curries, balti dishes use a lighter tomato and onion base that cooks quickly over high heat. First, onions are fried until golden, then ginger, garlic, and ground spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric are added. Fresh tomatoes or tomato puree give the sauce its rich colour and tangy flavour. This creates a thick, fragrant sauce that clings to the meat or vegetables instead of being runny.
The base sauce is what makes balti dishes taste fresh and bold — perfect for scooping up with warm naan. Once you master this simple sauce, you can create endless balti dish recipes at home, from chicken and lamb to vegetarian versions. It’s the heart of every Balti, and it’s what makes the dish so unique.
What Do You Serve Balti Dishes With?
Balti curries are traditionally served with naan bread rather than rice. The naan is used to scoop up the thick, flavorful sauce straight from the pan, making the meal feel more fun and interactive. Soft garlic naan or plain tandoori naan are both perfect choices, but chapatis or parathas also work well. Some people still enjoy balti with basmati rice, especially if they want a more filling meal.
For a complete experience, you can add simple sides like onion salad, raita (yoghurt dip), or crispy papadums. The idea is to keep the sides light so the bold flavours of the balti dish remain the star. Whether you go for bread, rice, or both, the key is to enjoy it hot and fresh.
Try the Varities Balti dishes at Tamasha
No time to cook but still craving spicy Balti dishes? Stop by Tamasha and treat yourself to their signature Balti dishes — it’s comfort food at its best. You’ll find halal foods in Playa Blanca at Tamasha.
Making balti curry at home is easier than you think. Next time you’re craving Indian-inspired food, skip the takeaway and try this balti curry recipe. Trust me — once you make it at home, it might just become your go-to curry night dish.
