Authentic Balti Curry

Ingredients

• Fresh cilantro (1 bunch, chopped)
• Salt (to taste)
• Garam masala (2 teaspoons)
• Coriander powder (1 teaspoon)
• Cumin powder (1 teaspoon)
• Turmeric powder (1/2 teaspoon)
• Balti curry paste (2 tablespoons)
• Chicken or lamb (1 kg, cut into pieces)
• Bell peppers (2, sliced)
• Tomatoes (3, chopped)
• Ginger (1 inch piece, grated)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Onion (1 large, chopped)
• Vegetable oil (3 tablespoons)

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the diced chicken or lamb to the pan. Cook until browned on all sides.
5. Add the balti curry paste, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala to the pan. Stir well, ensuring all pieces of meat are coated in the spices.
6. Introduce the chopped tomatoes and sliced bell peppers to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. The meat should be cooked through and tender.
8. Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.
9. Before serving, garnish the curry with fresh chopped cilantro.
10. Serve hot, ideally with a side of basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete Balti meal.