Balti paratha pies combine the rich flavors of Indian-inspired curry with the flaky texture of paratha, offering a savory twist perfect for meals or snacks. Filled with tender chicken and aromatic spices, these mini pies are complemented by a spicy green chutney, adding a refreshing contrast.
The preparation begins by cooking bone-in chicken thighs, which are seasoned and roasted until fully cooked. Once cooled, the meat is removed from the bones and cut into small pieces. A spice blend featuring curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon is toasted to enhance its flavor. This is followed by the creation of a balti sauce, where butter is melted in a pan and combined with onion, green pepper, garlic, and ginger. The toasted spices, along with chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, and chicken stock, are added to form the sauce, which is simmered until reduced by half.
To thicken the sauce, cornflour mixed with water is stirred in, followed by the cooked chicken, lime zest, and juice. Chopped coriander is added for freshness, and the mixture is cooled and refrigerated to help the pies maintain their shape. The pies are assembled using frozen roti parathas, which are shaped into a muffin tray, filled with the chicken mixture, and topped with another paratha. They are baked until golden, with a sprinkle of nigella and fennel seeds adding a final touch.
The accompanying green chutney is a vibrant mix of coriander, mint, ginger, chili, and lemon, blended together to create a lively, herb-filled dip. It pairs well with the pies, providing a citrusy freshness to the warmly spiced filling. For those seeking a milder flavor, the amount of chili can be adjusted, and a vegetarian version of the pies can be made using chickpeas, potatoes, or mixed vegetables in place of chicken.
These homemade balti paratha pies serve as a delicious and satisfying dish, with the crisp paratha and the rich filling complemented perfectly by the fresh chutney.