Origin & Significance
Bisi Bele Bath, meaning "hot lentil rice" in Kannada, is a beloved dish from Karnataka, India. This one-pot meal combines rice, lentils, vegetables, and a special spice blend, creating a rich and aromatic dish. Traditionally, it was prepared in the royal kitchens of the Mysore Maharajas, evolving into a staple in South Indian households. Served hot with ghee, boondi, or potato chips, Bisi Bele Bath is known for its wholesome, comforting flavors and perfect balance of tanginess, sweetness, and spice.
Ingredients (Serves 4-5)
For Bisi Bele Bath
- 1 cup rice (short-grain varieties like sona masuri work best)
- ½ cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
- 1 medium carrot (chopped)
- 1 medium potato (chopped)
- ¼ cup green beans (chopped)
- ¼ cup green peas
- 1 small tomato (chopped)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 small tamarind ball (soaked in warm water, extract the pulp)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon jaggery (optional, for balance)
- 5 cups water (adjust for consistency)
- Salt to taste
For Bisi Bele Bath Masala (Homemade Spice Blend)
- 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon chana dal (split Bengal gram)
- 1 teaspoon urad dal (black gram)
- 2-3 dried red chilies
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 2 cardamoms
- 2 tablespoons grated coconut (fresh or dry)
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon oil
For Tempering (Tadka)
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 2 dried red chilies
- 10-12 cashews (optional)
- ½ teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
Step-by-Step Preparation
📌 Step 1: Cook Rice and Dal
- Rinse rice and toor dal separately.
- Pressure cook them together with 4 cups of water, turmeric, and a little salt for 3-4 whistles. Set aside.
📌 Step 2: Prepare the Masala
- Heat a pan with 1 tablespoon oil.
- Roast coriander seeds, chana dal, urad dal, dried red chilies, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, cinnamon, cloves, cardamoms, and poppy seeds until aromatic.
- Add grated coconut and roast for another 1-2 minutes.
- Cool the mixture, then grind it into a fine powder. This is your Bisi Bele Bath Masala.
📌 Step 3: Cook Vegetables
- In a deep pan, add 1 cup of water and cook the chopped vegetables (carrot, potato, beans, peas, and tomato) until tender.
- Add tamarind extract, jaggery, and salt. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
📌 Step 4: Combine Everything
- Mash the cooked rice and dal slightly for a creamy texture.
- Add the cooked vegetables and mix well.
- Stir in the Bisi Bele Bath Masala and mix until well combined. Add more water if needed for the right consistency.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
📌 Step 5: Tempering (Tadka)
- Heat ghee in a small pan.
- Add mustard seeds, let them splutter.
- Add curry leaves, red chilies, cashews, and asafoetida.
- Pour this tadka over the Bisi Bele Bath and mix well.
📌 Step 6: Serving
- Serve hot with a dollop of ghee.
- Pair it with boondi, potato chips, or papad for a crunchy contrast.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
🥣 Toor Dal (Pigeon Peas)
- Rich in protein and fiber, aiding digestion and muscle growth.
- Excellent source of folate, essential for cell regeneration.
🍚 Rice
- Provides essential carbohydrates for sustained energy.
- Easy to digest, making it a great comfort meal.
🌿 Tamarind
- Boosts digestion and immunity.
- Contains antioxidants that promote heart health.
🌰 Cashews
- Loaded with healthy fats that support brain and heart health.
- Rich in magnesium and iron for strong bones.
🌶️ Spices (Coriander, Cinnamon, Cloves, Fenugreek)
- Enhance metabolism and digestion.
- Have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
🧄 Asafoetida (Hing)
- Helps in digestion and reduces bloating.
Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of Bisi Bele Bath, a South Indian delight that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Whether enjoyed on a lazy Sunday afternoon or as a festive meal, this dish is a must-try for lovers of Karnataka’s authentic cuisine!
🔥 Try making this restaurant-style Bisi Bele Bath at home using authentic, high-quality spices from SwadesCart.com
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