Balti Chicken

If you are really hungry and craving for a chicken dish, then this is exactly what you try. It's really easy and all the ingredients are available at home most of the time. All of these without compromising the flavor and taste…

By the way, Balti are the people of Baltistan (Pakistan (Kashmir, Gilgit–Baltistan), Kargil, India and small pockets in Karachi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad & Lahore). Probably this recipe origiated there.

Try it out... Enjoi...

Preparation time: 20 Mins.

Cook time (incl. Prep. time): 40 Mins.

Serves: 3

Spice level : Medium

Ingredients:

1. Chicken - 1 Lb. (Boneless preferred, Cleaned and Cut into cubes)

2. Yogurt - 1 1/2 Tbsp.

3. Ghee or vegetable Oil- 2 Tbsp.

4. Red Onions - 1 1/2 (Large sized, Thinly sliced)

5. Tomatoes - 2 (Sliced)

6. Black pepper corns - 3

7. Cardamom Pods - 2

8. Cinnamon Stick - 1 Inch piece

9. Kashmiri Chilli powder/Paprika - 1 Tsp.

10. Garam Masala - 3/4 Tsp.

11. Ginger-Garlic paste - 1 Tbsp.

12. Cilantro leaves - 1 1/2 Tbsp. (Chopped)  plus extra to garnish

13. Green Chilles - 1 (finely chopped, may use 2 based on the spice level)

14. Lime Juice - Squeezed from one half of a lime

15. Salt - 1 Tsp. (or to taste)

Preparation:

1. Heat the ghee/oil in a wok or large heavy bottom pan.

2. Add onions and cook over medium heat for about 10 mins. or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the sliced tomatoes, peppercorns, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, chilli powder, garam masala, ginger-garlic paste and salt. Cook for about 5 mins. stirring constantly.

4. Add chicken and cook for 5 mins. or until well coated in the spice paste, stirring constantly..

5. Turn the flame to low, add yogurt and mix it until all parts well coated.

6. Simmer the pan covered, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 mins. or until the chicken pieces are cooked and soft.

7. Stir in the chopped cilantro, green chilles and lime juice. Let it cook for 1 min.

8. Turn off the flame, transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm with bread/roti/chapathi.