Lamb Balti is a rich, flavorful curry that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Originating from the Baltistan region, this dish has become a favorite in Indian restaurants worldwide. With tender lamb cooked in a fragrant tomato-based sauce, it’s a great way to enjoy bold spices and comforting flavors at home.
Making a delicious Lamb curry doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re trying a classic stovetop version or a slow cooker lamb balti, this recipe brings out the best in the ingredients. Serve it with fluffy naan or basmati rice, and you’ll have a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
You can also try Courgette Curry Recipe.
Easy Lamb Balti Recipe – Flavorful Lamb Curry
Easy Lamb Balti Recipe
Ingredients:
- 500g lamb (boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or ghee)
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1-inch ginger (grated)
- 2 large tomatoes (chopped) or 1/2 cup canned tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika (or chili powder for extra heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup water or stock
- 1 green chili (sliced, optional)
- Fresh coriander (for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions:
- Sear the Lamb: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add lamb pieces and sear until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Base: In the same pan, sauté onions until golden brown. Add garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant.
- Add Spices & Tomatoes: Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a minute, then add tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer until the tomatoes break down into a thick sauce.
- Simmer the Curry: Return the lamb to the pan. Pour in water or stock, cover, and let it cook for 30-40 minutes until the lamb is tender. Stir occasionally and add water if needed.
- Final Touches: Add sliced green chili and lemon juice for extra flavor. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with naan or basmati rice.
Tips:
- For a richer taste, marinate the lamb in yogurt and spices for an hour before cooking.
- Make a slow cooker lamb balti by cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
- Adjust spice levels by adding or reducing chili powder.
Enjoy this delicious Lamb Balti with your favorite sides for a comforting, homemade curry night!
Ingredients
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1600kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 80g124%
- Total Carbohydrate 72g24%
- Protein 140g280%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Cooking Tips for the Best Lamb Balti
- Choose the Right Cut: Use lamb shoulder or leg for the best tenderness. Trim excess fat for a lighter dish.
- Marinate for More Flavor: Marinate the lamb in yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices for at least an hour or overnight for deeper flavors.
- Use Fresh Spices: Whole and freshly ground spices enhance the aroma and taste. Toasting them for a few seconds releases their oils.
- Slow Cooking for Tenderness: Cooking on low heat for a longer time ensures melt-in-your-mouth lamb. You can also make this in a slow cooker for convenience.
- Balti Pan vs. Regular Pan: Traditionally, a Balti dish is cooked in a steel or iron wok-style pan for quick, high-heat cooking. A regular pan works fine too!
- Adjust Spice Levels: Reduce or increase chili powder based on your heat preference. Add yogurt or cream for a milder version.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with naan, chapati, or basmati rice for an authentic experience. A side of cucumber raita balances the spices.
Allergy & Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free? ✅ Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, check store-bought spices and tomato paste for hidden gluten. Serve with gluten-free naan or rice.
- Dairy-Free? ✅ Yes, if you skip yogurt-based marination or cream (optional). Use coconut milk for a creamy dairy-free version.
- Nut-Free? ✅ Yes, this dish does not contain nuts. However, check spice blends for potential nut contamination.
- Low-Carb/Keto? ✅ Mostly! Reduce tomatoes slightly and serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Halal? ✅ Yes, if using halal-certified lamb.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Swap lamb for paneer, tofu, or chickpeas for a delicious veggie Balti.
- Spice Sensitivity? Reduce chili powder and add yogurt or coconut milk to make it milder.
This Lamb Balti recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to suit various dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lamb Balti has a medium spice level. It’s flavorful with aromatic spices, but you can adjust the heat by adding or reducing chili powder.
Lamb Balti is cooked in a lighter, tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices, while Lamb Bhuna has a thicker, richer sauce where the lamb is slow-cooked in its own juices.
A Balti is a style of cooking in a thin, tomato-based sauce, typically served in a wok-like Balti dish. Curries can have thicker, creamier sauces and are slow-cooked for longer.
A Balti consists of tender meat (or vegetables), a tomato-based sauce, fresh spices, garlic, ginger, and sometimes yogurt or cream for extra richness.
Jalfrezi is quite similar to a Balti, as both have a medium-spiced, tomato-based sauce with stir-fried ingredients and bold flavors.
Balti has a rich, slightly tangy, and well-spiced flavor with a balance of heat, sweetness, and depth from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and ginger.
Madras is usually hotter, as it contains more chili powder. Rogan Josh has a medium spice level with a rich, aromatic flavor rather than intense heat.
The Phall curry is considered the hottest, made with extra chili powder, Scotch bonnet peppers, and a fiery spice blend.