Bisi Bele Bath recipe is a flavorful and comforting South Indian dish that’s loved across India, especially in the state of Karnataka. It’s a delicious mix of rice, lentils, vegetables, and a special blend of spices. This makes it a wholesome meal that’s both spicy and tangy!
Jump to:
- What is Bisi Bele Bath?
- Health Benefits of Bisi Bele Bath
- What you Ned to Make This Recipe
- How to Make This Bisi Bele Bath Recipe
- Essential Ingredients for Authentic Bisi Bele Bath
- How to Make Bisi Bele Bath Powder at Home
- Variations of Bisi Bele Bath
- Bisi Bele Bath for Beginners: Easy Tips and Tricks
- Perfect Pairings with Bisi Bele Bath
- How to Store and Reheat Leftover Bisi Bele Bath
- How to Make Bisi Bele Bath in a Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot
The name "Bisi Bele Bath" translates to "Hot Lentil Rice". The dish is usually served hot, making it perfect for cool evenings or festive occasions. With its rich taste, Bisi Bele Bath will leave you craving for more! So, let’s dive in and make this tasty dish together!
What is Bisi Bele Bath?
Bisi Bele Bath is a simple recipe and a traditional South Indian dish. It is made with rice, lentils (toor dal), and a mix of veggies, all cooked together with aromatic spices.
It’s called "Bisi Bele Bath" because "Bisi" means hot, and "Bele" means lentil—so it’s literally "hot lentil rice." This comforting dish originated in Karnataka and is a popular part of festivals and celebrations!
While Bisi Bele Bath is loved across India, it has different variations depending on the region. In Karnataka, it’s made with a unique spice mix, while in Maharashtra, people often add a little more sweetness. In Tamil Nadu, it’s usually paired with a tangy rasam.
Health Benefits of Bisi Bele Bath
- Rich in Protein: The combination of rice and toor dal provides a complete source of protein, making this a filling meal.
- High in Fiber: With veggies like carrots, beans, and peas, Bisi Bele Bath is rich in fiber. This helps keep your digestion smooth.
- Boosts Immunity: The spices in Bisi Bele Bath, such as turmeric and cumin, have natural immunity-boosting properties. They help keep you healthy.
- Good for Digestion: Tamarind, asafoetida (hing), and other spices make Bisi Bele Bath a great choice for digestion. These ingredients aid in breaking down food and helping your stomach feel comfortable.
- Check out more mouthwatering recipes:
- Pulliyodharai (Tamarind Rice),
- Chicken Soup,
- Sambar,
- Palak Rice ,
- Sambar Rice,
- Vegetable Biryani.
What you Ned to Make This Recipe
Bisi Bele Bath Recipe Ingredients:
Ingredient Notes:
- Rice: I always use short-grain rice for that perfect texture. It absorbs the spices just right.
- Toor dal: These yellow lentils are the heart of the dish, adding creaminess. My grandmother used to say, “Lentils make it wholesome!”
- Mixed veggies: I love using fresh carrots, peas, beans, and potatoes—just like we did when I helped my grandmother pick veggies from the market.
- Tamarind: This gives the dish its signature tang. It always reminds me of the tangy tamarind chutney my mom made when I was a kid.
- Bisi Bele Bath powder: The secret spice mix! It’s what gives the dish its bold, aromatic flavor. I still use the same blend my grandma taught me.
- Turmeric: A pinch of this adds color and depth. My grandmother always said it’s the key to a comforting dish.
- Mustard seeds: They add a little crunch when tempered. I remember watching my grandma pop these in hot oil.
- Curry leaves: These leaves bring such a fresh aroma. I still grow them in my garden, just like we did back then.
- Ghee: A drizzle of ghee makes it rich and indulgent. It’s a finishing touch my mom always swore by.
- Optional: Fried onions and coriander: These crispy garnishes bring a nice crunch and vibrant touch. It’s just like my mom used to serve it.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How to Make This Bisi Bele Bath Recipe
Step by Step Instructions- Rice and Dal
1. Prepare Ingredients
- To start, rinse the moong dal and rice separately under cold water. Next, chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. Also, even if you use different types of vegetables, make sure they are cut evenly so they cook at the same time.
2. Cook the Lentil and Rice
- In a large pot or pressure cooker, add the rinsed moong dal and rice along with 4 cups of water. Next, you can sprinkle in a pinch of salt. Then, cook everything until it’s soft and mushy.
- To get the right consistency, pressure cook for 2 whistles. Alternatively, simmer in a pot for about 20 minutes while stirring occasionally. After that, set the cooked dal and rice aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetables
- First, heat oil or ghee in a large pan. Then, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. As soon as they start to crackle, add the chopped onions and green chili. Next, sauté everything until the onions turn golden brown.
- After that, add the chopped tomatoes and cook them until they become soft and the oil starts to separate. Next, add the mixed vegetables and cook for about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Spices and Tamarind
- Finally, add the Bisi Bele Bath Powder and tamarind paste to the vegetable mixture. Then, stir well to mix the spices evenly. If the mixture seems thick, add about 1-2 cups of water to get the right consistency.
- Simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. During this time, keep an eye on them to make sure they cook just right.
5. Combine Dal, Rice and Vegetables
- Now that the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked dal and rice mixture to the pan. Then, mix everything together well. Finally, let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Final Touches
- Next, check the seasoning and add more salt if needed. Then, sprinkle in a pinch of hing and fresh cilantro for garnish. This last step makes the dish smell great and look nice!
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Bisi Bele Bath
Importance of Fresh Tamarind: Fresh tamarind gives that perfect tangy flavor, making it an essential part of Bisi Bele Bath. Always try to use fresh tamarind paste for the best taste!
List of Key Ingredients: To make Bisi Bele Bath, you need rice, toor dal, tamarind, assorted veggies, and, of course, Bisi Bele Bath powder. Each ingredient adds something special—like the tanginess from tamarind and the warmth from spices.
Homemade vs Store-Bought Bisi Bele Bath Powder: You can either make your own spice mix with ingredients like coriander, cumin, cinnamon, and cloves. Or buy a ready-made version. Homemade always adds that extra touch of love!
How to Make Bisi Bele Bath Powder at Home
Homemade Spice Mix Recipe: To make Bisi Bele Bath powder, dry roast spices like coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, and a few others. Grind them into a fine powder. This homemade spice mix will bring out the true flavors of your dish.
How to Store Homemade Spice Mix: Store your spice mix in an airtight jar. It will last for months, ready to be used anytime you want to make Bisi Bele Bath!
Variations of Bisi Bele Bath
Vegan Bisi Bele Bath: To make this dish vegan, simply swap out ghee with coconut oil or vegetable oil and ensure there’s no dairy.
Vegetable Variations: You can add a wide range of vegetables to Bisi Bele Bath—carrots, peas, beans, potatoes, and even drumsticks (moringa). Some people like to keep it simple. Others go for a colorful veggie mix!
Protein Additions: For a protein boost, you can add tofu, paneer, or even chicken pieces to the dish. These protein-packed additions make the dish even more filling!
Bisi Bele Bath for Beginners: Easy Tips and Tricks
Best Cooking Tools: Using a pressure cooker or slow cooker makes it easier to cook rice and dal to the perfect texture. These tools also save you time and effort!
How to Avoid Common Mistakes: One common mistake is overcooking the rice and dal, which can make the dish mushy. Keep an eye on your cooking time, and don’t skip the simmering step!
Quick Fixes: If your Bisi Bele Bath turns out too spicy, add some extra rice or a bit of yogurt to balance the heat.
Perfect Pairings with Bisi Bele Bath
Drinks: A hot cup of masala chai or lassi complements Bisi Bele Bath perfectly. It adds a soothing touch to your meal.
Side Dishes: Bisi Bele Bath tastes amazing with crispy papad, cooling raita, or a side of yogurt. These side dishes add a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy flavors of the dish!
Desserts: Pair your Bisi Bele Bath with traditional South Indian sweets like Payasam (a creamy dessert) or Ladoo (sweet, round treats).
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Bisi Bele Bath
Reheating Tips: When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent it from becoming too thick. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop for that fresh taste!
Storage Tips: You can store leftover Bisi Bele Bath in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it in a tight container for up to a month.
How to Make Bisi Bele Bath in a Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot
Instant Pot Method: The Instant Pot is another great tool for making Bisi Bele Bath quickly. Use the sauté function for the spices, then cook the rice and dal under pressure for the perfect consistency!
Using a Pressure Cooker: A pressure cooker makes cooking Bisi Bele Bath faster and easier. Simply cook the rice, dal, veggies, and spices in the pressure cooker to save time.
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Bisi Bele Bath Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Moong dal (split yellow lentils)
- 1 Cup Rice
- ½ Cup Mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, potatoes, peas)
- 1 Large onion, chopped
- 2 Tomatoes, chopped
- 1 Green chili, slit
- 1 tablespoon Tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoon Bisi Bele Bath Powder
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon Oil or ghee
- A few curry leaves
- 1 Pinch hing (asafoetida)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
- To start, rinse the moong dal and rice separately under cold water. Next, chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. Also, even if you use different types of vegetables, make sure they are cut evenly so they cook at the same time.
Cook the Lentil and Rice
- In a large pot or pressure cooker, add the rinsed moong dal and rice along with 4 cups of water. Next, you can sprinkle in a pinch of salt. Then, cook everything until it’s soft and mushy.
- To get the right consistency, pressure cook for 2 whistles, or simmer in a pot for about 20 minutes while stirring occasionally. After that, set the cooked dal and rice aside.
Prepare the Vegetables
- First, heat oil or ghee in a large pan. Then, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. As soon as they start to crackle, add the chopped onions and green chili. Next, sauté everything until the onions turn golden brown.
- After that, add the chopped tomatoes and cook them until they become soft and the oil starts to separate. Next, add the mixed vegetables and cook for about 5-7 minutes.
Add Spices and Tamarind
- Finally, add the Bisi Bele Bath Powder and tamarind paste to the vegetable mixture. Then, stir well to mix the spices evenly. If the mixture seems thick, add about 1-2 cups of water to get the right consistency.
- Simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. During this time, keep an eye on them to make sure they cook just right.
Combine Dal, Rice and Vegetables
- Now that the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked dal and rice mixture to the pan. Then, mix everything together well. Finally, let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Final Touches
- Next, check the seasoning and add more salt if needed. Then, sprinkle in a pinch of hing and fresh cilantro for garnish. This last step makes the dish smell great and look nice!
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