Let’s explore Bisi Bele Bath, a hearty and comforting dish from South India. It’s a dish that’s both delicious and filling, and I’m excited to share more about it with you.
Bisi Bele Bath comes from Karnataka, a state in the southern part of India. What’s unique about this dish is that it’s a perfect blend of rice, lentils, and a special spice mix. When they all come together, you get a dish that’s full of flavors.
In this blog, I’ll tell you more about Bisi Bele Bath—its origin, what you need to make it, and why it’s loved by so many people. It’s a simple and satisfying dish, so let’s uncover the goodness of Bisi Bele Bath together!
Bisi Bele Bath Recipe
Equipment
- A large heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker
- A small frying pan for tempering
- A blender or spice grinder
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rice
- 1/2 cup Toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)
- 2 cups Mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, potato, bell pepper, beans) chopped
- 1 small Tomato chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Tamarind lemon-sized ball, soaked in water
- 2 tablespoons Ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- A pinch of Asafoetida (Hing)
- A few Curry leaves
- 2-3 Dry red chilies
- Cashews for garnish (optional)
- For Bisi Bele Bath Masala:
- 2 tablespoons Coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Fenugreek seeds
- 5-6 Dry red chilies
- 2 tablespoons Chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 1 tablespoon Urad dal (split black gram)
- 1/4 cup Desiccated coconut
- 2-3 Cloves
- 1- inch piece Cinnamon
- 2 Cardamom pods
- A few Curry leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Cook Rice and Lentils
- Start by cooking the rice and toor dal together with a pinch of turmeric and salt. You can use a pressure cooker or a pot, adding enough water to cook them until soft and mushy. The consistency of the cooked rice and dal mixture should be slightly overcooked for Bisi Bele Bath.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- While the rice and lentils are cooking, steam or boil the chopped vegetables until they are just tender. It’s important to not overcook them, as they will be cooked further with the rice and dal mixture.
Step 3: Make the Bisi Bele Bath Masala
- For the authentic taste, dry roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, dry red chilies, chana dal, urad dal, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and curry leaves until aromatic. Then, add the desiccated coconut and roast for another minute. Grind this roasted mixture into a fine powder. This homemade masala is what gives Bisi Bele Bath its unique flavor.
Step 4: Mix Rice, Dal, Vegetables, and Masala
- In a large pot, mix the cooked rice and dal, steamed vegetables, tamarind extract, the prepared Bisi Bele Bath masala, and salt. Cook everything together, adding water as needed to achieve a porridge-like consistency. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
Step 5: Tempering
- In a small pan, heat ghee or oil, add mustard seeds, and let them splutter. Add dry red chilies, curry leaves, asafoetida, and cashews (if using). Once the cashews turn golden, pour this tempering over the Bisi Bele Bath. Mix well.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the Bisi Bele Bath hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and accompanied by papad or potato chips. A dollop of ghee on top enhances the flavor manifold.
Tips and Information
Tips and Information
- Consistency: Bisi Bele Bath should have a slightly loose, porridge-like consistency, so don’t hesitate to add water as needed.
- Bisi Bele Bath Masala: Homemade masala is preferable for its freshness and aroma, but store-bought can also be used in a pinch.
- Ghee: Using ghee for tempering adds a rich flavor to the dish, but oil can be used for a vegan version.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice for Bisi Bele Bath?
Yes, brown rice can be used, but it may require a longer cooking time and more water.
How can I store leftover Bisi Bele Bath?
It can be refrigerated for 1-2 days. Reheat with a little water, as it tends to thicken upon cooling.
Can I add other vegetables to Bisi Bele Bath?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute with vegetables like pumpkin, brinjal, or drumstick.
Is it necessary to use tamarind?
Tamarind adds a tangy flavor that balances the dish, but in its absence, you can use a little bit of lemon juice or amchur (dry mango powder).
Can I make Bisi Bele Bath without onion and garlic?
Yes, Bisi Bele Bath traditionally doesn’t contain onion or garlic, making it suitable for a sattvic diet.