Bisi Bele Bath is one of the famous dishes of Karnataka. It is made with a mixture of rice, tamarind, gram flour, and special spices. In Kannada, bisi means hot, bele means lentils/gram flour, and bath means boiled. It means that the rice has been boiled in gram flour.
Although it looks like Karnataka style sambar rice, it is different in taste and aroma. The rice and vegetables are cooked separately and then mixed with pulses, spices and vegetables. The aroma of ghee along with special spice powders adds to the excellence of this recipe.
This recipe involves an elaborate process. But it can be prepared in a short time. Adding more ghee increases the richness of this dish. This dish is eaten with boondi and raita.
Made with lentils, vegetables, and special aromatic spices, Bisi Bele Bath is a wonderful source of health nourishment. This recipe, which is specially prepared in Karnataka, can be prepared for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
This recipe can also be prepared as a special dish when guests come or when you host special events at home. Learn how to make Bisi Bele Bath using special ingredients in the following explanation.
Preparation Time: 30 Minutes
Cooking Time: 45 Minutes
Total Time: 75 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Bisi Bele Bhat spice powder
- 10 pearl onions (Sambar onions)
- 1 green bell pepper (Capsicum)
- 2 carrots
- 1/4 cup green peas
- 1/2 cup green beans
- 1 potato
- 1 drumstick
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 cup tamarind water
- 2 teaspoons jaggery
- 1 cup finger millet
- 1 cup Toor Dal
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 red chilies
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- Coriander leaves, a small bunch
- Salt to taste
How to Make Bisi Bele Bath
- To start making the Bisi Bele Bath recipe, in a large pressure cooker we will add tamarind water, jaggery, peeled and chopped drumsticks, pearl onions, beans, carrots, peppers, tomatoes, salt and finally the Bisi Bele Bhat spice powder.
- Cover the pressure cooker, place the weight and let the vegetables cook until you hear at least 2 whistles and turn off the heat.
- Since the vegetables cook very quickly, we will release the pressure by running cold water over the cooker. This process helps to bring the pressure on immediately. Open the pressure cooker and set the vegetable curry aside.
The next step is to cook the millet and dal.
- In the pressure cooker add in the millet, dal, turmeric powder, salt and 5 cups of water. Cover the cooker and place the weight on the pressure cooker. Turn the heat to high and cook the rice until you hear two whistles. After you hear the whistles, turn the heat to low and simmer for five minutes.
- After 5 minutes, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. The millet and rice continue to cook during this resting period, from where wait for the pressure to release completely.
Let's continue to do the seasoning.
- Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add in a tablespoon of ghee and let it melt. Add in the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow it to crack. Then add in the red chilies, curry leaves and toast until the red chilies are lightly browned. Stir to roast the ingredients well. Once roasted, keep this aside.
- Add millet and rice in the spicy vegetable tamarind curry. Mix all ingredients until well combined and the mixture resembles a mash. At this point, add in the prepared seasoning and two more tablespoons of ghee. Again, give the mixture a good mix. Check the salt and adjust to your taste.
- Transfer the Bisi Bele Bath to a serving bowl. Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves and fried cans on top. Serve the delicious Bisi Bele Bath with a tomato and onion raita for lunch or dinner.
