Balti vs. Curry — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Balti is a type of curry known for being cooked and served in a steel or iron pot, emphasizing quick cooking at high heat, while curry broadly refers to a variety of spiced dishes prepared in a sauce.
Difference Between Balti and Curry
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Balti, originating from Birmingham, UK, features a distinct cooking method using a high-temperature wok-like pot, which imparts a unique flavor, whereas curry can refer to any spiced dish cooked with a combination of spices and ingredients like meat or vegetables.
Balti is typically served directly in the pot it is cooked in, enhancing its rustic appeal, while curry might be served in various vessels, often emphasizing presentation.
The spices in Balti are usually added at a high heat which creates a caramelized and more intense flavor profile, whereas curry spices might be simmered gently to develop depth over time.
Balti often uses fresher and coarser spices for a robust taste, on the other hand, curry may use a finely ground and sometimes pre-mixed spice blend.
In Balti, the focus is often on meat, especially chicken or lamb, cooked rapidly with peppers and onions, while curry encompasses a broader spectrum including vegetarian and legume-based dishes.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Birmingham, UK
Various regions globally
Cooking Vessel
Steel or iron pot
Various types
Cooking Method
High heat, quick cooking
Varied, typically slow-cooked
Spice Texture
Coarse, fresh spices
Finely ground, pre-mixed
Typical Ingredients
Meat, peppers, onions
Meat, vegetables, legumes
Compare with Definitions
Balti
Known for its quick cooking method and high heat.
Balti dishes are typically prepared in less than half an hour.
Curry
Often incorporates a blend of ground spices.
The key to a good curry is the perfect spice mix.
Balti
Often served directly in the cooking vessel.
Our balti arrived still sizzling in its traditional pot.
Curry
Can be mild, medium, or hot in spice levels.
She ordered a mild curry because she isn't fond of too much heat.
Balti
Uses fresher and coarser spices.
You can taste the difference in a balti with its robust and fresh spices.
Curry
Served typically in bowls or plates.
The curry was beautifully presented in a deep bowl.
Balti
A type of curry cooked in a steel or iron pot.
The restaurant's chicken balti was remarkably flavorful.
Curry
A dish of meat, vegetables, or legumes cooked in a spiced sauce.
The beef curry was rich and tender.
Balti
Typically focuses on meat as the primary ingredient.
The lamb balti featured tender pieces of meat with bell peppers.
Curry
Includes various regional variations.
Thai curries often use coconut milk, while Indian curries generally do not.
Balti
(uncountable) A style of Pakistani cooking in which the food is cooked in an iron pan having two handles.
Curry
Curry is a variety of dishes originating in the Indian subcontinent. It uses a combination of spices or herbs, usually including ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, and fresh or dried chilies.
Balti
(countable) A dish cooked in this style.
Curry
To groom (a horse) with a currycomb.
Curry
To prepare (tanned hides) for use, as by soaking or coloring.
Curry
To season (food) with curry.
Curry
A dish of meat or vegetables flavored with pungent spices, typical of South Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Curry
A blend of spices used in or suggesting the flavor of curry, typically containing turmeric, cumin, coriander, and ginger, among other ingredients.
Curry
Curry powder.
Curry
One of a family of dishes originating from Indian cuisine, flavoured by a spiced sauce.
Curry
A spiced sauce or relish, especially one flavoured with curry powder.
Curry
Curry powder.
Curry
(transitive) To cook or season with curry powder.
Curry
(transitive) To groom (a horse); to dress or rub down a horse with a curry comb.
Curry
(transitive) To dress (leather) after it is tanned by beating, rubbing, scraping and colouring.
Curry
(transitive) To beat, thrash; to drub.
Curry
(transitive) To try to win or gain (favour) by flattering.
Curry
To perform currying upon.
Curry
To scurry; to ride or run hastily
Curry
To cover (a distance); (of a projectile) to traverse (its range).
Curry
To hurry.
Curry
To dress or prepare for use by a process of scraping, cleansing, beating, smoothing, and coloring; - said of leather.
Curry
To dress the hair or coat of (a horse, ox, or the like) with a currycomb and brush; to comb, as a horse, in order to make clean.
Your short horse is soon curried.
Curry
To beat or bruise; to drub; - said of persons.
I have seen him curry a fellow's carcass handsomely.
Curry
To flavor or cook with curry.
Curry
A kind of sauce much used in India, containing garlic, pepper, ginger, and other strong spices.
Curry
A stew of fowl, fish, or game, cooked with curry.
Curry
(East Indian cookery) a pungent dish of vegetables or meats flavored with curry powder and usually eaten with rice
Curry
Season with a mixture of spices; typical of Indian cooking
Curry
Treat by incorporating fat;
Curry tanned leather
Curry
Give a neat appearance to;
Groom the dogs
Dress the horses
Common Curiosities
What types of curry are there?
There are numerous types of curry, including Indian, Thai, Japanese, and British, each with unique ingredients and spice blends.
Can curry be vegetarian?
Yes, curry is a versatile dish that can be made with meat, vegetables, or legumes, catering to various dietary preferences.
How should Balti be served?
Traditionally, Balti is served in the same pot it is cooked in, often accompanied by naan or rice.
What spices are used in Balti?
Spices in Balti may include cumin, coriander, garam masala, and fresh chili, among others.
Are Balti and curry suitable for health-conscious diets?
Both dishes can be adapted to suit health-conscious diets, though it's important to be mindful of the cooking method and ingredients.
How long does it take to prepare Balti?
Balti is quick to prepare, usually taking about 20 to 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for a fast meal.
What makes curry a popular dish worldwide?
Curry's versatility and the rich depth of its flavors have made it a favorite in many cultures around the globe.
What is a Balti?
Balti is a type of curry that is cooked and often served in a steel or iron pot, known for its quick preparation and robust flavors.
What is the origin of curry?
Curry has diverse origins, with variations found in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and other parts of the world.
How is Balti different from other curries?
Unlike many slow-cooked curries, Balti is cooked quickly over high heat, using fresh and coarsely ground spices.
What are common ingredients in a Balti?
Common Balti ingredients include chicken or lamb, bell peppers, onions, and fresh spices.
What are the nutritional benefits of curry?
Depending on the ingredients, curry can be rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, particularly when it includes a variety of vegetables and spices.
Is Balti typically spicy?
Balti can range in spiciness but it generally leans towards the more flavorful side with a noticeable but manageable heat level.
What is the best way to enjoy curry?
Enjoying curry with complementary sides like rice or flatbreads enhances the experience by balancing flavors and textures.
Can Balti be made vegetarian?
While traditionally meat-based, Balti can also be made vegetarian by substituting meat with vegetables or paneer.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
