Swabian-Style Birmingham Balti

Ingredients

In this Swabian adaptation of the Birmingham Balti, we incorporate Swabian spices such as caraway, nutmeg, and paprika to infuse the dish with a distinct German flavor. Additionally, we use locally sourced vegetables commonly found in Swabian cuisine, such as bell peppers and onions, to enhance the freshness and authenticity of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Birmingham Balti, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) chicken or lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) chicken or lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons Balti spice mix 2 tablespoons Balti spice mix
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 200ml (3/4 cup) chicken or vegetable broth 200ml (3/4 cup) chicken or vegetable broth
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken or lamb pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the sliced bell peppers and diced tomatoes, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the Balti spice mix, caraway seeds, ground nutmeg, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients in the skillet. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices.
6. 6.
   Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the Balti cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with spaetzle or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken or lamb — Ensure that the meat is cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and tenderness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
• Serve the Swabian-Style Birmingham Balti with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.
• Experiment with different vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant for a unique twist.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by adding more or less Balti spice mix.
• Make a larger batch of the Balti spice mix and store it in an airtight container for future use.

Serving advice

Serve the Swabian-Style Birmingham Balti hot with a side of fluffy spaetzle or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Swabian-Style Birmingham Balti in a rustic cast-iron skillet, allowing the vibrant colors of the bell peppers and tomatoes to shine through. Sprinkle some additional fresh cilantro on top for an appealing garnish.