Bisi Bela Bath Recipe

Discover the flavors of Karnataka with the renowned Bisi Bele Bath, a delightful dish that translates to "hot lentil rice mixture" in Kannada. While this traditional dish has gained popularity, the key to its authentic taste lies in freshly prepared masala powder. Although readily available in stores, creating your own Bisi Bele Bath powder at home adds a unique touch to your culinary experience. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of crafting this essential spice blend, allowing you to elevate your Bisi Bele Bath to new heights.

Bisi Bela Bath is a popular one-pot meal that is perfect for satisfying your taste buds and hunger. Stay tuned as we walk you through the step-by-step process of creating this unique and mouth-watering dish!

What Is Bisi Bela Bath Recipe?

• Bisi Bela Bath is a traditional South Indian dish that combines rice, lentils, and a variety of vegetables with a unique blend of Indian spices. The result is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe brings together the succulent main ingredients of rice and dal with a delicious mix of spices and seasoning, creating a mouthwatering and satisfying dish that is popular in Indian cuisine. The combination of vegetables, lentils, and spices makes this dish not only tasty but also nutritious.

Why You'll Love Bisi Bela Bath?

• Delicious and Comforting Texture: Bisi Bela Bath has a rich and creamy texture that comes from the combination of rice, lentils, and a variety of vegetables. The smoothness of the dish makes it incredibly satisfying to eat, especially on a chilly day.
• Nutrient-Packed Ingredients: This dish is loaded with vegetables like brinjal, carrot, potato, and spinach, providing a hefty dose of essential vitamins and minerals. The combination of rice, dal, and coconut in the masala powder adds a good amount of fiber and protein to the meal.
• Balanced Flavors: The blend of aromatic spices, tangy tamarind, and the subtle sweetness of the vegetables create a well-balanced flavor profile. The dish is a mix of savory, spicy, and slightly tangy notes, which make it a delightful culinary experience.
• Heart-Healthy: The dish contains ingredients that are known for their heart-healthy properties. The inclusion of garlic, asafoetida, and sesame oil contribute to better cardiovascular health, making it a great choice for those watching their heart health.
• Boosts Digestive Health: The inclusion of ingredients like fenugreek seeds, asafoetida, and tamarind in the recipe aids in digestion and helps prevent bloating or discomfort after the meal.
• Satisfying and Filling: Bisi Bela Bath is a wholesome and filling meal that keeps hunger at bay for a long time. The combination of rice and dal provides a good amount of energy, making it a perfect choice for a hearty and satisfying lunch or dinner.

By highlighting the texture and the important health benefits of Bisi Bela Bath, it's easy to see why this dish is a favorite among many and a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious, nutritious meal.

Ingredients for Bisi Bela Bath Recipe

• Ponni Raw Rice: Used as the base ingredient to provide the desired texture and consistency to the dish.
• Toor Dal: Adds a creamy and nutty flavor to the dish, while also providing a good source of protein.
• Asafoetida Powder: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish and aids in digestion.
• Turmeric Powder: Adds a warm and earthy flavor to the dish, while also providing a vibrant color.
• Garlic Pods: Brings a pungent and sweet flavor to the dish, adding depth to the overall taste.
• Grated Coconut: Adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

How To Make Bisi Bela Bath Recipe?

Bisi Bela Bath is a traditional South Indian dish that is packed with flavor and a perfect blend of spices and vegetables. To make this delicious dish, follow these simple steps:

• Preparations: Start by washing and rinsing one cup of ponni raw rice and 1/2 cup of toor dal with enough water. Then, cut all the veggies into medium-sized pieces and keep them aside. Soak the tamarind in 1/2 cup of hot water and extract the puree.
• Cooking the Dal: In a pressure cooker, add the rice, dal, garlic pods, asafoetida powder, turmeric powder, oil, and 4 & 1/2 cups of water. After 30 minutes, pressure cook until fully cooked.
• Making the Bisi Bela Bath Masala Powder: Heat a pan and dry roast all the ingredients given under bisi bele bath powder until a nice aroma comes and they are browned. Let it cool, then blend until powdered without adding water.
• Cooking the Bisi Bela Bath: In a separate wide pan, boil 1 cup of water and add in the chopped vegetables. Cook until they are 3/4th cooked, then add the remaining vegetables and spices. Once the vegetables are fully cooked, add the cooked rice and dal mixture, tamarind water, and bisi bele bath powder. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until it becomes slightly thick.
• Tempering and Serving: In a small pan, heat oil and ghee, then add mustard seeds, urad dal, shallots, curry leaves, asafoetida powder, and peanuts. Fry until golden brown and pour the mixture over the rice and dal. Now, your Bisi Bela Bath is ready to serve.

By following these steps, you can create a delicious and flavorful Bisi Bela Bath to enjoy with papads. The key to a great Bisi Bela Bath lies in the bisi bele bath powder, which adds a unique taste and aroma to this classic dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Papads: Bisi Bela Bath pairs wonderfully with crispy papads, adding a delicious crunch to the meal.
• Accompany with Raita: A side of refreshing raita, made with yogurt and various vegetables or fruits, complements the spiciness of the Bisi Bela Bath.
• Pair with Pickles: Tangy and spicy pickles can be served alongside the Bisi Bela Bath to add an extra kick of flavor to the meal.
• Enjoy with Fried Snacks: Serve with deep-fried snacks like vada or pakoras for a fulfilling and satisfying meal.
• Include a Side of Salad: A fresh, crisp salad can balance out the richness of the Bisi Bela Bath and add a pop of color to the plate.

Tips for Making Bisi Bela Bath

• Preparation Duration: To save time, you can soak the rice and dal in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Cooking Techniques: When cooking the vegetables, start with the ones that take longer to cook, such as brinjal and carrot, and then add the quicker cooking vegetables like tomato and spinach.
• Importance of Garnishing: Garnishing with fried shallots, curry leaves, and peanuts not only adds flavor but also enhances the presentation of your Bisi Bela Bath.
• Evenly Cooked Vegetables: Ensure that the vegetables are evenly cooked to achieve the perfect texture and taste in your Bisi Bela Bath.
• Proper Mixing: After adding the bisi bele bath powder, mix the rice and dal mixture thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
• Adjusting Salt: Taste the dish and adjust the salt if needed before serving to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor.

Variations for Bisi Bela Bath Recipe

• Vegetable Variations: Experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers, cauliflower, or zucchini to add a unique twist to the traditional bisi bela bath.
• Protein Additions: For added protein, consider incorporating cooked chickpeas or tofu to make the dish more filling and nutritious.
• Nutty Flavors: To enhance the nutty flavors, try adding a handful of roasted cashews or almonds for a crunchy texture and rich taste.
• Spice Blend: Adjust the spice levels by adding or reducing the amount of red chilies and black pepper to suit your taste preferences.
• Coconut-Free Option: For those with coconut allergies, omit the grated coconut from the masala powder or substitute it with coconut milk for a creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Make the recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free asafoetida and ensuring that all the ingredients, including the spice blend, are free from any gluten-containing additives.

How to Store Bisi Bela Bath

• Storing the Masala Powder: After preparing the bisi bela bath masala powder, store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavor. Keep it in a cool, dry place to ensure it stays potent for future use.
• Storing the Cooked Bisi Bela Bath: If you have leftovers, store the cooked bisi bela bath in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it in a pan with a little water to refresh the flavors before serving.
• Storing the Tamarind Water: If you have any leftover tamarind water, store it in a small jar in the refrigerator. It can be used for other recipes or to add a tangy flavor to dishes in the future.
• Vegetable Storage: Store the leftover chopped vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh and ready for use in other recipes or for making bisi bela bath again.
• Maintaining Freshness: To ensure the freshness of the bisi bela bath, avoid overcooking the vegetables and dal. This will help retain their nutritional value and flavor, making the dish enjoyable even after storing and reheating.

By following these simple storage tricks, you can ensure that your bisi bela bath stays fresh and delicious, ready to be enjoyed whenever you crave this flavorful South Indian dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use any type of rice for bisi bela bath?

• Yes, you can use any type of rice for this recipe, but traditionally, ponni raw rice is used for authentic flavor.

Can I adjust the spice level in bisi bela bath?

• Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of red chili powder and black pepper to suit your spice preferences.

What if I don't have all the vegetables listed?

• Feel free to adapt the recipe based on the vegetables you have on hand. You can use a variety of veggies such as bell peppers, green beans, or even cauliflower.

Can I make bisi bela bath ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the masala powder and cook the rice and dal in advance. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture and add the tempering.

How can I make bisi bela bath vegan?

• To make this dish vegan, simply omit the ghee and use only sesame oil for tempering.

Can I freeze leftover bisi bela bath?

• Yes, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for later consumption. Just be sure to thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Recipe Card

Serves: 2‌‌

Prep Time: 00:30‌‌

Cook Time: 00:30‌‌

Total Time: 00:50

Ingredients

For cooking rice and dal

• 1 cup ponni raw rice
• 1/2 cup toor dal
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 garlic pods
• 1/4 tsp oil
• 4 & 1/2 cups water

For bisi bel bath masala powder

• 1 tbsp channa dal
• 1/2 tsp black pepper corns
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 4 red chilies
• 1/2 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
• 2 tbsp grated coconut

Vegetables

• 1 medium-sized tomato
• 2 small brinjals or eggplants
• 1 small carrot
• half raw banana
• 1 small-sized potato
• 1/4 cup white pumpkin slices
• 1/4 cup fresh green peas
• 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach
• 3/4 tsp red chili powder
• pinch of turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• small ball sized tamarind

To temper

• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and urad dal
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 to 2 tsp ghee
• 10 shallots /small onions
• a pinch of asafoetida powder
• some curry leaves
• 1 handful of peanuts or cashew nuts

Instructions

Preparations

• Firstly, wash and rinse rice and dal with enough water.
• Then cut all the veggies into medium size and keep it aside.
• Finally, soak the tamarind in 1/2 cup of hot water and then extract puree.

How to cook dal

• In a pressure cooker, add rice, dal, garlic pods, asafoetida powder, turmeric powder, oil and water. Keep it aside for 30 mins.
• After 30 mins, pressure cook until you hear at least 5 whistles over medium heat or until fully cooked and keep it aside.

For masala powder

• Meanwhile, heat a pan and dry roast all the ingredients given under bisi bele bath powder one by one until a nice aroma comes and browned.
• Let it cool completely, and place them in a blender or mixie jar and blend until powdered without adding any water and keep it aside.

How to cook bisi bele bath

• Meanwhile, heat a separate wide pan over medium heat, add in 1 cup of water.
• When it starts to boil add chopped brinjal (small eggplants), carrot, potato, green peas and pumpkin and cook it for 5 mins. until 3/4th cooked.
• Then add raw banana, tomato and spinach.
• Also add 3/4 tsp of red chili powder, a pinch of turmeric powder and 1/2 tsp of salt and cook until all the veggies are fully cooked.
• Once the vegetables are cooked, then add cooked rice and dal mixture, mix well. Then add tamarind water and bring it to boil.
• At this stage add bisi bele bath powder and mix well and cook it for 3 to 4 mins or until it becomes slightly thick. Add salt if needed.
• Meanwhile, heat a small pan with oil and ghee, add mustard seeds and urad dal, fry until spluttering.
• Then add shallots, curry leaves asafoetida powder and peanuts and fry till they turn into golden brown and pour this over rice and dal mixture. Now bisi bela bath is ready to serve.
• Serve bisi bele bath with papads.

By Santhi Therese, The Indian Claypot‌‌Source: https://theindianclaypot.com/

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