Balti Chicken in Tamarind Sauce
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Recipe type: Main
Cuisine: Balti
Serves: 5 People
Ingredients
For making the tamarind sauce
  • Tomato ketchup- 4tbsp
  • Fresh tamarind- 3 inch slice soaked in 4 tbsp water
  • Chili powder- 1½ tsp
  • Salt- to taste
  • Grated ginger- 1½ tsp
  • Garlic, crushed- 1½ tsp
  • Grated coconut- 2 tbsp
  • Sesame seeds, black- 2 tbsp
  • Ground cumin- 1 tsp
  • Ground coriander- 1½ tsp
While cooking
  • Chicken pieces, bone-in- 8 pieces
  • Oil- 4 tbsp
  • Cury leaves- 1 sprig
  • Onion, minced- 1 small
  • Dried red chilies- 3
  • Fenugreek seeds- 1 tsp
  • Tomatoes, chopped- 1, large
  • Cilantro, chopped- 2 handfuls
  • Ground pepper- for spice if needed
Instructions
  1. If using fresh tamarind, soak 3 inch slice in 4 tbsp warm water for a few minutes.
  2. Squeeze the tamarind in water to release all the juice from it, drain the juice and discard the skin.
  3. If using concentrated tamarind paste, use around 2 tsp or according to your needs.
  4. In a bowl, combine all the above mentioned ingredients to make the tamarind sauce.
  5. Add the sauce to the chicken pieces, spread it over chicken and let marinate for 15 minutes.
  6. Place a wok over medium heat, add oil.
  7. Add curry leaves, onion, dried red chilies and fenugreek seeds, stir fry for a few minutes.
  8. Add the marinated chicken along with the sauce, keep stirring as you add the chicken.
  9. Cover the pan with a lid and cook till the chicken has cooked well.
  10. Open the lid, cook over high heat and let the gravy thicken and chicken turns slightly browned. Oil will start to separate from the sauce.
  11. Add chopped tomatoes, stir fry for a couple of minutes. Don't over cook the tomatoes.
  12. Add chopped cilantro, stir fry for a minute.
  13. Taste and add more salt or ground pepper if needed.
  14. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer to a bowl.
  15. Serve with chapati, roti, naan, pita bread or even bread.
Notes
Use bone-in chicken for better taste.
Recipe by Cooking with Thas - Smart Cooking, Smart Living at https://thasneen.com/cooking/balti-chicken-in-tamarind-sauce/