Chicken Tikka Balti

Let’s explore the Chicken Tikka Balti:

• Origins:

  • Chicken Tikka Balti is believed to have originated in Glasgow, Scotland, in the 1960s. Pakistani chef Ali Ahmed Aslam combined chicken tikka with a creamy tomato-based sauce to cater to the British palate.
    

  • Balti, on the other hand, has roots in Birmingham, England, in the 1970s. Inspired by traditional Pakistani Mirpuri cooking, it uses a wok-like vessel called a “balti.”
• Ingredients:
  • Chicken Tikka Balti: Marinated chicken tikka (yogurt, spices, herbs) grilled or roasted, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, ginger, and spices.
  • Balti: Marinated chicken or lamb cooked in a balti dish with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and various spices. The wok-like balti imparts a smoky flavor.
• Flavor Profiles:
  • Chicken Tikka Balti: Creamy, aromatic, and balanced.
  • Balti: Bold, spicy, and flavorful.
    Marinated and grilled chicken fillet in balti sauce

Choose your favorite and savor the culinary journey!