Bisi Bele Bath: Delicious South Indian Recipe Simplified

In the vibrant tapestry of South Indian cuisine, Bisi Bele Bath stands out with its robust flavors and intricate aroma. This dish, a beloved staple from Karnataka, brings together rice, lentils, vegetables, and a unique spice blend known as Bisi Bele Bath powder or masala. Here, we will guide you through this traditional recipe, simplifying it for anyone keen on exploring South Indian culinary delights.

What is Bisi Bele Bath?

Bisi Bele Bath, meaning 'hot lentil rice', is a comforting one-pot meal. It's a spicy, tangy, and sweet concoction, often served with a generous dollop of ghee and some crispy appalams (papads).

• Main Ingredients: Rice, lentils (toor dal), vegetables, and a special spice mix.
• Flavor Profile: Spicy, sour, and slightly sweet.

To truly appreciate Bisi Bele Bath, understanding its key components is essential:

• Rice: Typically short-grain or sona masuri, which absorbs the flavors well.
• Lentils: Toor dal (pigeon pea lentils) provides the dish its comforting texture.
• Vegetables: Carrots, beans, peas, and drumsticks are common.
• Spice Mix: The Bisi Bele Bath powder, with ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, coriander seeds, and tamarind for that signature taste.

Ingredients for Bisi Bele Bath

Here's what you'll need:

For the Bisi Bele Bath Powder:

• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 6-8 dry red chilies (alter according to heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon urad dal
• 1 tablespoon chana dal
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 4-5 cloves
• 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

For the Bisi Bele Bath:

• 1 cup rice (preferably sona masuri or raw rice)
• ¹⁄₂ cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 2-3 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, and drumsticks if available)
• 1 medium-sized tamarind (or 1-2 teaspoons of tamarind paste)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons jaggery or brown sugar (adjust sweetness)
• 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared Bisi Bele Bath powder
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

For Tempering (Tadka):

• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal
• 1 teaspoon chana dal
• Few curry leaves
• 2-3 dry red chilies
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• A few cashew nuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Bisi Bele Bath

Preparing the Spice Mix:

1. Dry roast all the ingredients for the spice mix individually until aromatic. Cool and blend into a fine powder. Set aside.

Cooking Rice and Lentils:

1. Wash rice and lentils separately.
2. Pressure cook rice with 2 cups of water until soft.
3. In another pot, cook the lentils with double the amount of water until mushy.
4. Once cooked, mash the lentils slightly to achieve a creamy texture.

Vegetable and Tamarind Preparation:

1. In a large pot, heat some oil or ghee and sauté onions until translucent.
2. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
3. Add the chopped vegetables, followed by a paste made from tamarind (soaked in warm water and strained).
4. Cook until the vegetables are halfway done, then add jaggery or sugar.

Combining Ingredients:

1. Add the cooked lentils and rice to the pot with vegetables.
2. Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared Bisi Bele Bath powder. Add salt to taste.
3. Stir well, then add water if needed to achieve a porridge-like consistency.
4. Let it simmer on a low flame for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Finishing with Tadka:

1. In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil.
2. Add mustard seeds, let them splutter, followed by urad dal, chana dal, dry red chilies, curry leaves, asafoetida, and cashews. Sauté until lentils and cashews turn golden.
3. Pour this tempering over the Bisi Bele Bath, gently mix, and turn off the heat.

Serving Suggestions

Bisi Bele Bath is typically served hot with a dollop of ghee, some crispy appalams, and a side of yogurt or raita for balance. Here are some serving tips:

• Ghee: It enhances the flavors and richness of the dish.
• Boondi or Sev: These fried snacks can be sprinkled on top for added crunch.
• Fried Poppy Seeds: For a traditional touch.

❗ Note: If you're watching your fat intake, you can use less ghee or oil in the tempering step.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Substitutes:

• Replace toor dal with moong dal or masoor dal for a variation.
• Use cauliflower, eggplant, or bell peppers for a different vegetable mix.

Gluten-Free Option:

• Ensure the Bisi Bele Bath powder you use is free from any gluten contamination.
• Instead of using appalams, opt for fried, gluten-free papadums or roasted peanuts for a crunch.

This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing for creative adjustments to suit dietary needs or simply to experiment with flavors. However, its essence remains rooted in the blend of spices that defines South Indian cuisine.

Embarking on the journey of making Bisi Bele Bath at home can be a delightful experience. Its aroma, the symphony of tastes, and the comfort it brings make it more than just food; it's an experience of culture, tradition, and warmth. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, the vibrant palette of South Indian cuisine awaits you with this dish. Remember, the heart of Bisi Bele Bath lies in its spice blend, so take the time to prepare or source it well. Enjoy the process, relish the outcome, and savor the spicy, tangy sweetness with every spoonful. This beloved South Indian dish is not just a meal; it's a celebration of life's simple, yet profoundly delicious, pleasures.

Can I make Bisi Bele Bath without using vegetables?

+

While vegetables enhance the nutritional value and flavor, Bisi Bele Bath can still be made without them. You’ll lose the varied texture but the dish will still be delicious with just rice and lentils.

How long can I store Bisi Bele Bath?

+

Stored in the refrigerator, Bisi Bele Bath can last up to 2-3 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it; however, its consistency might change slightly upon reheating.

Is Bisi Bele Bath spicy?

+

The spiciness depends on how much chili powder or red chilies you use in the spice mix. You can adjust the heat to suit your taste preferences, making it milder or hotter as desired.