Balti Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Flavorful Indian Dish Guide

Balti is a vibrant and aromatic curry style that originated in the UK but draws inspiration from traditional Indian and Pakistani cooking. This vegetarian Balti recipe is perfect for those craving a rich, flavorful dish that’s packed with fresh vegetables and warming spices.

It’s cooked quickly in a thin, pressed-steel wok-like pan called a “balti bowl,” which helps seal in the flavors and gives the dish an unmistakable charm. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

The combination of fresh veggies, a tomato and spice-based sauce, and a touch of creaminess makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Plus, it’s wonderfully versatile—you can swap in your favorite vegetables or heat level to suit your taste.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious vegetarian Balti that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian Balti recipe is a perfect balance of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. It’s:

• Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Loaded with fresh vegetables, providing a nutritious and colorful meal.
• Customizable—adjust the spice level or substitute vegetables based on what you have available.
• Rich and aromatic thanks to the traditional Balti spice blend and fresh ginger and garlic.
• Great for leftovers—the flavors deepen after a day or two in the fridge.

Not only will this dish satisfy your taste buds, but it also pairs beautifully with naan or rice, making it a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp Balti curry powder (or garam masala as substitute)
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 100g green beans, trimmed and halved
• 150g cauliflower florets
• 150g baby potatoes, halved
• 100g fresh spinach
• 150ml coconut milk or cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Juice of ½ lemon

Equipment

• Balti pan or large wok (if unavailable, a wide frying pan works fine)
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Grater (for ginger)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Place your Balti pan or wok over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and heat until shimmering.
2. Sauté onions, garlic, ginger, and chili: Add the sliced onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chili to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions soften and turn translucent.
3. Add the spices: Sprinkle in the Balti curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Stir well to coat the onions and release the spices’ aromas—about 1 minute.
4. Incorporate tomato base: Pour in the chopped tomatoes and tomato puree. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
5. Add the vegetables: Toss in the baby potatoes, cauliflower, green beans, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir well so all the vegetables get coated with the spice and tomato mixture.
6. Simmer the curry: Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the vegetables to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes and cauliflower are tender but not mushy.
7. Add the spinach and coconut milk: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and pour in the coconut milk or cream. Cook for another 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the curry is creamy and rich.
8. Season and finish: Taste your Balti and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Squeeze in the lemon juice for brightness and stir well.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh coriander, and serve hot with naan bread or basmati rice.

Tips & Variations

“For a deeper flavor, toast your spices lightly in the pan before adding the onions. Feel free to swap vegetables based on seasonality or preference—sweet potatoes, zucchini, or peas work wonderfully!”

• Make it vegan: Use coconut milk or any plant-based cream alternative to keep it dairy-free.
• Extra protein: Add cooked chickpeas or paneer cubes for a protein boost.
• Adjust the heat: Increase or decrease the green chili quantity or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Serve with: Try this Balti alongside some homemade naan, or for a lighter option, steamed basmati rice.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian Balti is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Warm naan bread or garlic naan for dipping into the luscious sauce.
• Steamed basmati rice or fragrant pilaf for a filling accompaniment.
• Fresh cucumber raita to cool the palate and add a creamy contrast.
• Mango chutney or lime pickle on the side for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Light salad with fresh herbs, tomatoes, and onions for freshness.

For more inspiration on delicious side dishes and desserts, check out these recipes:

• Half Runner Beans Recipe
• Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe
• Glazed Twist Donut Recipe

Conclusion

Creating a delicious vegetarian Balti at home is easier than you might think, and this recipe brings all the rich, fragrant flavors into your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, vegetable-packed meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Perfect for sharing with family or impressing guests, this Balti can easily become a staple in your recipe collection.

Remember, the beauty of Balti lies in its flexibility—feel free to experiment with different vegetables or spice blends to make it your own. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore more comforting and flavorful dishes like our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe or refreshing Green Goodness Juice Recipe.

Happy cooking!

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