Ingredients

  • 1 inch cinnamon stick
  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon peeled and minced fresh gingerroot
  • 1 fresh red Thai chile, end removed
  • 12 lime, juice and zest of
  • salt
  • fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups canned chick-peas, rinsed and drained
  • 4 large curly leaf lettuce leaves
  • 4 firm ripe tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
  • 1 cup finely diced unpeeled English cucumber
  • 12 cup thick plain Greek yogurt
  • 12 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
  • 6 fresh lime wedges

Method

  • For Balti Paste Dry Curry: Combine cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and yellow mustard seeds in dry frying pan.
  • Toast over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring steadily, until they begin to release an aroma.
  • Transfer to bowl to cool.
  • Place in spice grinder and grind to fine powder.
  • Move to bowl and stir in turmeric and paprika.
  • Set aside.
  • For Balti Paste: Heat oil in heavy saucepan.
  • Add onion, garlic, ginger, and whole Thai chili, and saute over medium heat until soft but not golden.
  • Transfer to blender along with lime zest and juice, and process to a paste.
  • Stir in Balti Dry Curry spice mixture.
  • Set aside to cool.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • For Lettuce Bowls: Place drained chickpeas in mixing bowl.
  • Spoon half the Balti Paste overtop, using a spatula to gently fold it in so chickpeas are lightly coated.
  • Store extra in tightly sealed container in refrigerator for up to 1 week for another use.
  • Line 4 serving plates with lettuce leaves.
  • Place scoop of curried chickpeas in lettuce bowl.
  • Scatter with diced tomato and cucumber.
  • Top with generous dollop of yogurt and chopped cilantro.
  • Serve each with lime wedge.