Bisi Bele Bath Veg Recipes Of Karnataka Made Easy

Bisi Bele Bath is a classic and hearty dish from Karnataka, India, that beautifully combines lentils, rice, and vegetables with a unique blend of spices. This comfort food is beloved for its rich flavors and delightful texture.

The name “Bisi Bele Bath” literally means “hot lentil rice,” and it is often enjoyed as a wholesome meal on its own or with traditional accompaniments. The dish is highly versatile, allowing you to customize the vegetables and spice mix to your preference.

Whether you are new to South Indian cuisine or looking to recreate an authentic taste of Karnataka at home, this recipe will guide you through making a delicious Bisi Bele Bath veg dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

In this post, we’ll explore the ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step instructions to help you master this soul-satisfying recipe. Plus, I’ll share some tips, variations, and serving ideas to elevate your meal.

Ready to dive into the warm, aromatic world of Bisi Bele Bath? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bisi Bele Bath is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and nutrition. The combination of lentils and rice provides a balanced source of protein and carbohydrates, while the medley of vegetables adds color, texture, and essential vitamins.

The special spice mix, known as Bisi Bele Bath powder, infuses the dish with a unique warmth and subtle heat that’s both comforting and exciting to the palate.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together in one pot, minimizing cleanup. It’s flexible and forgiving, allowing you to use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand.

Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free by nature, making it an inclusive meal choice for many diets.

Once you’ve tried this authentic Karnataka favorite, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved staple in South Indian households and a great way to introduce your family and friends to regional Indian cuisine.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 1 cup rice (preferably sona masoori or any medium-grain rice)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, potatoes, drumsticks)
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 2 dried red chilies
• 10-12 curry leaves
• 1/2 cup tamarind pulp
• 2 tablespoons jaggery (or brown sugar)
• 3 tablespoons Bisi Bele Bath powder (store-bought or homemade, recipe below)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Bisi Bele Bath Powder (Spice Mix) Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 2 tablespoons urad dal (split black gram)
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 5-6 dried red chilies
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh coconut or desiccated coconut
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3-4 cloves
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Equipment

• Pressure cooker or large pot with lid
• Heavy-bottomed pan or skillet (for roasting spices)
• Mixing bowls
• Blender or spice grinder (for Bisi Bele Bath powder)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer (for tamarind pulp)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bisi Bele Bath powder: In a dry skillet over medium heat, roast chana dal, urad dal, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, black peppercorns, cinnamon, cloves, and sesame seeds until golden and aromatic (about 5-7 minutes). Add the grated coconut and roast for another 2 minutes. Cool slightly, then grind everything to a fine powder along with asafoetida. Set aside.
2. Cook the dal and rice: Wash the toor dal and rice thoroughly. In a pressure cooker, add dal, rice, and 4 cups of water. Cook for 3-4 whistles or until soft and mushy. If using a pot, simmer covered for 30-40 minutes, adding water as needed. Mash lightly and set aside.
3. Prepare tamarind pulp: Soak tamarind in 1 cup warm water for 15 minutes. Extract the pulp by squeezing and straining the mixture. Discard the solids and keep the tamarind water ready.
4. Cook the vegetables: Chop mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces. In a pot, boil or steam the vegetables until just tender. Drain and set aside.
5. Sauté the tempering: Heat ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
6. Add tomatoes and spices: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until soft. Add the tamarind pulp, jaggery, cooked vegetables, and salt. Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat.
7. Combine cooked dal and rice: Add the cooked dal and rice mixture to the pan. Mix thoroughly, breaking any lumps. Add Bisi Bele Bath powder and adjust consistency by adding warm water if needed. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Final tempering (optional): For an authentic touch, you can prepare a second tempering of mustard seeds, asafoetida, red chilies, and curry leaves in ghee and pour it over the dish just before serving.
9. Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with a side of Cheese Penny Recipe or crispy papadums.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of ghee just before serving. You can also experiment with vegetables like pumpkin or bottle gourd for subtle sweetness.”

• Use leftover cooked rice and dal to save time during busy days.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer dried red chilies in the spice mix.
• For a smokier flavor, dry roast the tamarind pulp briefly before adding it to the dish.
• Try garnishing with fried cashews or a dollop of yogurt for a creamy contrast.
• Serve with a side of Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for an Indo-Western fusion twist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Bisi Bele Bath is traditionally served hot, accompanied by crunchy papadums or chips for texture contrast. A dollop of ghee or fresh butter on top enhances the richness of the dish.

For a cooling effect, serve with plain yogurt or raita on the side. This helps balance the spices and adds a refreshing element to your meal.

Looking for more Indian comfort food ideas? Check out these recipes:

• Chicken Shawarma Trader Joe’S Recipe
• Chicken Pesto Orzo Recipe
• Chili Recipe New Mexico

Conclusion

Bisi Bele Bath is a delightful dish that offers a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutrition. This recipe captures the essence of Karnataka’s culinary heritage, making it accessible to home cooks around the world.

With its wholesome ingredients and customizable spice blend, you can create a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting.

Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, Bisi Bele Bath is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and vibrant presentation. Don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables and spice levels to make the dish truly your own.

For more delicious and diverse recipes, explore our collection and keep your kitchen inspired!

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