Bisi Bele Bath

Bisi Bele Bath is a delectable and hearty rice-based dish originating from the southern Indian state of Karnataka. This traditional meal is believed to have its roots in the royal kitchens of the Mysore Palace and has since become a beloved dish throughout Karnataka and beyond. Bisi Bele Bath is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that combines the goodness of rice, lentils, and vegetables. The key to its deliciousness lies in the meticulous preparation of each component and the flavorful Bisi Bele Bath spice blend. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of making this wholesome dish that serves three people.

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Serving Size: 3

INGREDIENTS:

Other Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 1 cup toor dal
• 2½ cups rice
• ½ carrot
• ½ teaspoon jaggery
• ½ onion
• 5 beans
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ¾ cup tamarind extract
• 2 cups water
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ potato
• 2 tablespoons peanuts
• 2 tablespoons green peas

Bisi Bele Bath Masala:

• 4 teaspoons coriander seeds
• Few curry leaves
• Pinch of hing (asafoetida)
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 12 dried red chilies
• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 4 teaspoons chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 4 cloves
• 2 tablespoons dry coconut
• 3 pods cardamom
• 1-inch cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons urad dal (split black gram)
• ¼ teaspoon methi (fenugreek seeds)
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon jeera (cumin seeds)

For Tempering:

• Few curry leaves
• 10 whole cashews
• 1 dried red chili
• Pinch of hing
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 tablespoons ghee

INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare Vegetables and Masala:

1. Chop the carrot, onion, beans, and potato.
2. In a pan, roast all the Bisi Bele Bath masala ingredients (coriander seeds, curry leaves, hing, oil, dried red chilies, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, chana dal, cloves, dry coconut, cardamom, cinnamon, urad dal, methi, pepper, jeera) until they turn aromatic. Let them cool and grind into a fine powder.

Cook Vegetables and Dal:

1. In a large pot, combine water, turmeric, salt, and the chopped vegetables. Cook them until they are tender.
2. Add tamarind extract and jaggery to the pot. Cook for an additional ten minutes on low heat.

Prepare Toor Dal and Rice:

1. In a separate pot, cook toor dal until soft and mushy. Set it aside.
2. Cook rice until it’s fluffy and keep it ready.

Combine Ingredients:

1. Add the cooked toor dal, rice, and 1 cup of water to the pot with the vegetables.
2. Stir in the Bisi Bele Bath masala powder you prepared earlier.

Simmer and Blend Flavors:

1. Let the Bisi Bele Bath simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Prepare Tempering:

1. In a small pan, heat ghee for tempering.
2. Add mustard seeds, cashews, dried red chili, curry leaves, and a pinch of hing. Let them splutter and turn golden.

Serve:

1. Pour the tempering over the Bisi Bele Bath.
2. Serve the piping hot Bisi Bele Bath with boondi or a side of yogurt for a delightful meal.

TIPS:

• Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Before you start cooking, ensure that all your ingredients are measured and prepared. This will make the cooking process smoother.
• Adjust Spice Level: The spice level of Bisi Bele Bath can be customized to your preference. You can increase or decrease the number of dried red chilies in the masala to suit your taste.
• Use Fresh Spices: Whenever possible, use fresh spices to make your own Bisi Bele Bath masala. It imparts a richer flavor to the dish.
• Tempering for Flavor: The final tempering adds a burst of flavor to the dish. Don’t skip it; it’s an essential step.
• Serve with Accompaniments: Bisi Bele Bath pairs wonderfully with boondi (crispy chickpea flour balls) or a side of yogurt for a complete meal.

Enjoy this authentic Karnataka delicacy, rich in flavor and nutrients, with your family and friends!