Balti paratha pies offer a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the rich, aromatic spices of an Indian-inspired curry with the crispy, flaky texture of paratha. These savory mini pies, filled with tender chicken, tomatoes, and peppers, serve as both a satisfying meal and a delectable snack ideal for gatherings. Accompanied by a spicy green chutney, they provide a perfect balance of warmth, spice, and fresh citrusy notes.
The preparation of these pies begins with roasting bone-in chicken thighs seasoned with salt. Once cooked and cooled, the meat is removed from the bones and cut into small pieces. The next step involves creating a spice blend with curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon, which is toasted in the oven to enhance its flavors.
The balti sauce forms the heart of the filling, made by sautéing butter, onions, green pepper, garlic, and ginger until the vegetables are soft. The toasted spices are then added, followed by chopped tomatoes and chicken stock, simmering until the sauce reduces by half. Cornflour mixed with water is incorporated to thicken the sauce, and the cooked chicken, lime zest, juice, and coriander are mixed in. This filling must be cooled completely to help the pies maintain their shape during baking.
To assemble the pies, frozen roti parathas are rolled out and pressed into a greased muffin tray, filled with the chilled chicken mixture, and topped with another layer of paratha. After a brief refrigeration, the pies are brushed with an egg wash, sprinkled with nigella and fennel seeds, and baked until golden.
The spicy green chutney complements the pies perfectly. A blend of garlic, ginger, green chili, cumin seeds, lemon juice, coriander, and mint creates a vibrant, herb-filled dip that adds a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken filling. This chutney can also be used with other grilled foods or snacks.
For those seeking a milder version, reducing the chili powder and removing the seeds from the green chili is recommended. A vegetarian variation can also be made by substituting the chicken with chickpeas, potatoes, peas, or mixed vegetables, using vegetable stock instead.
These homemade balti paratha pies are a delightful culinary creation, combining crisp pastry layers with a richly spiced center, while the fresh green chutney adds a burst of brightness to each bite.