Bisi Bele Bath Recipe – Authentic Broken Wheat & Dal South Indian Meal

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Bisi Bele Bath Recipe – Authentic Broken Wheat & Dal South Indian Meal

Introduction

Oh, Bisi Bele Bath! Just the name conjures up memories of cozy family lunches at my grandmother’s place. This comforting South Indian dish is a complete meal in itself – a flavorful blend of lentils, broken wheat, vegetables, and a special spice blend. It’s hearty, wholesome, and honestly, pretty addictive. I first attempted this recipe years ago, feeling a little intimidated by the masala, but once I got the hang of it, it became a regular in my kitchen. I’m so excited to share my version with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bisi Bele Bath isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly satisfying. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and a whole lot of flavor. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get a variety of vegetables into one dish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or even a festive occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved staple in many South Indian homes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

• 1 cup Samba Wheat / Broken Wheat / Lapsi
• ¾ cup Toor Dal, Tuvar Dal or Arhar Dal
• 3 cups Mixed Vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)
• 2 tsp Ghee or Clarified butter
• 1 tsp Mustard Seeds or Rai
• 1 tbsp Tamarind Paste
• ¼ tsp Turmeric Powder or Haldi Powder
• ½ tsp Red Chilli powder or Lal Mirch
• 5 tbsp Bisi Bele Bath Masala
• ¼ cup Groundnuts
• 2-3 Whole dry red chillies
• 4-5 Curry Leaves sprigs
• 1 tbsp Chana dal or Bengal Gram Dal
• ½ tsp Mustard Seeds or Rai
• 4 tbsp Ghee or Clarified Butter

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Samba Wheat (Broken Wheat/Lapsi) – Varieties & Texture

Samba wheat is the star here! It’s a coarsely broken wheat that gives Bisi Bele Bath its unique texture. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores. If you can’t find Samba wheat, regular broken wheat (lapsi) works well too, though the texture will be slightly different.

Toor Dal – Regional Variations & Substitutions

Toor dal (also known as arhar dal or tuvar dal) is the lentil of choice. It cooks up beautifully and adds a lovely creaminess. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with moong dal, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Bisi Bele Bath Masala – Homemade vs. Store-Bought

The Bisi Bele Bath masala is key to the flavor. You can find pre-made blends at Indian grocery stores, which are perfectly fine to use. However, making your own allows you to customize the spice level and freshness. I sometimes make a big batch and store it for future use!

Ghee – The Importance of Clarified Butter in South Indian Cooking

Ghee is a must! It adds a richness and aroma that butter just can’t replicate. It’s a staple in South Indian cooking for a reason.

Mixed Vegetables – Traditional & Modern Options

Traditionally, Bisi Bele Bath includes carrots, peas, and green beans. But feel free to get creative! I sometimes add potatoes, cauliflower, or even bell peppers.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, wash and soak the samba wheat and toor dal separately in water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. Then, drain the water.
2. Now, pressure cook the broken wheat with 1.5 times the amount of water (so, 1 cup wheat to 1.5 cups water) until it’s soft and mushy. Do the same with the toor dal, using a 3/4:1 water ratio (¾ cup dal to ¾ cup water). Cook separately!
3. While the wheat and dal are cooking, steam your mixed vegetables until they’re tender-crisp. We don’t want them mushy, just cooked through.
4. Time for the tempering! Heat 2 teaspoons of ghee in a kadhai (a deep frying pan). Add the mustard seeds and a pinch of hing (asafoetida). Let the mustard seeds splutter.
5. Add the steamed vegetables to the kadhai and sauté for about 30 seconds.
6. Now, add the cooked dal, broken wheat, salt, tamarind paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and the all-important Bisi Bele Bath masala. Mix everything well.
7. Add a little water to adjust the consistency – you want it to be slightly saucy, not too thick or too thin. Simmer covered for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. Let’s make the final tempering! In a small pan, heat 4 tablespoons of ghee. Add the groundnuts and roast until golden brown. Then, add the chana dal, whole dry red chillies, curry leaves, and mustard seeds. Roast until the dal turns golden and the curry leaves are crisp.
9. Pour this glorious tempering over the prepared Bisi Bele Bath just before serving. The aroma is incredible!

Expert Tips

A few little secrets to make your Bisi Bele Bath perfect:

Achieving the Right Consistency

The consistency should be like a thick porridge. Add water gradually while simmering to get it just right.

Soaking Time for Wheat & Dal

Don’t skip the soaking! It really does help the wheat and dal cook faster and more evenly.

Preventing Vegetables from Overcooking

Steaming the vegetables is the way to go. It preserves their color, texture, and nutrients.

Mastering the Tempering Process

The tempering is where a lot of the flavor comes from. Don’t rush it! Make sure the spices are roasted properly.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Bisi Bele Bath

Simply substitute the ghee with a neutral-flavored oil like sunflower or vegetable oil.

Gluten-Free Bisi Bele Bath

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your Bisi Bele Bath masala doesn’t contain any gluten-based ingredients.

Spice Level Adjustment – Mild, Medium, Spicy

Adjust the amount of red chili powder and whole dry red chillies to your liking. My family prefers a medium spice level, but feel free to go hotter or milder.

Festival Adaptations – Ugadi & Special Occasions

Bisi Bele Bath is often made during Ugadi (the Kannada New Year) and other special occasions. It’s considered an auspicious and flavorful dish.

Serving Suggestions

Bisi Bele Bath is a complete meal on its own, but it’s often served with:

• A side of yogurt or raita to cool things down.
• Papadums for a crispy crunch.
• Pickle for an extra burst of flavor.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Bisi Bele Bath can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is Bisi Bele Bath traditionally served with?

Traditionally, it’s served with yogurt, papadums, and a side of pickle.

Can I make Bisi Bele Bath ahead of time?

Yes, you can! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.

What is the best type of rice to serve with Bisi Bele Bath (if any)?

Bisi Bele Bath is usually enjoyed on its own, but a simple steamed rice can be served alongside if desired.

How can I adjust the sourness of the Bisi Bele Bath?

Adjust the amount of tamarind paste. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste.

Where can I find authentic Bisi Bele Bath masala?

You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or online. Look for brands that are well-known and trusted.