Balti Chicken With Tarka Dhal Recipe

Ingredients for Balti Chicken With Tarka Dhal

• Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1/2 cup split peas
• Red Lentils
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for tarka)
• Onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for the dhal) + 2 cloves minced (for tarka)
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander (plus extra for garnish)
• Green Chili
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup water (for chicken)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• Cumin Seed
• Garlic Cloves
• Dried Red Chilies
• 5-6 curry leaves

How to Make Balti Chicken With Tarka Dhal

1. Combine 1 cup red lentils and 1/2 cup split peas in a saucepan. Cover with 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils and peas are soft and mushy (about 15-20 minutes).
2. While the lentils cook, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Add 1 large onion, chopped, and sauté until golden brown (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. Fry for 6 minutes, or until lightly browned.
5. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander, 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the cooked lentils and peas, 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained, and the remaining fresh coriander leaves.
7. Turn off the heat.
8. For the tarka: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a small pan. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and cook until they start to pop (about 30 seconds). Add 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2-3 red chilies, finely chopped; and 5-6 curry leaves. Cook for 1 minute. Pour the tarka over the chicken and lentil mixture. Serve hot.