Bisi Bele Bath Recipe- Authentic Karnataka Dal & Rice with Bisi Bele Powder

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Bisi Bele Bath Recipe – Authentic Karnataka Dal & Rice with Bisi Bele Powder

Introduction

Oh, Bisi Bele Bath! Just the name conjures up memories of cozy family lunches at my grandmother’s place in Karnataka. It’s a complete meal in one pot – comforting, flavorful, and packed with goodness. I first attempted this recipe on my own after moving away from home, and honestly, it took a few tries to get it just right. But trust me, the effort is SO worth it. Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true recipe with you, so you can experience the magic of this Karnataka classic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another rice and dal dish. Bisi Bele Bath is a symphony of flavors – tangy, spicy, and subtly sweet. It’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make, especially once you get the hang of the Bisi Bele Bath powder. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in a bunch of veggies! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive occasion.

Ingredients

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

• ¾ cup Raw Rice or steamed rice (about 150g)
• ½ cup Toor dal (about 100g)
• ¼ tsp Turmeric powder
• 6 cups Water (for rice + dal)
• As needed Salt
• 2 drops Cooking oil
• ½ no Knol Khol/Kholrabi, chopped
• ½ no Brinjal (long variety), chopped
• 5 nos Beans, chopped
• 1 no Carrot (optional), chopped
• 4 tbsp Bisi bele bath powder
• ¼ cup Grated coconut (about 30g)
• Big gooseberry size Tamarind
• 1 tsp Jaggery
• 1 tsp Cooking oil
• ½ tsp Mustard seeds
• Few Curry leaves
• A pinch Hing (Asafoetida)
• 2 tbsp Roasted peanuts
• 1-2 tbsp Ghee

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! The heart of Bisi Bele Bath is, without a doubt, the Bisi Bele Bath powder. It’s a unique spice blend that gives this dish its signature flavor. You can find it in most South Indian grocery stores, or even make your own (I’ll link a recipe at the end!).

Traditionally, this dish uses a specific type of short-grain rice. But honestly, any good quality rice will work – even leftover steamed rice! For the dal, Toor dal is the classic choice, but you could experiment with a mix of Toor and Moong dal for a slightly different texture.

Don’t skip the Knol Khol (Kholrabi) if you can find it! It adds a lovely, slightly sweet and peppery flavor. It’s quite common in Karnataka cuisine, but if you can’t find it, feel free to add more of your favorite vegetables.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, combine the rice, dal, turmeric powder, 6 cups of water, chopped Knol Khol, Brinjal, Beans, Carrot (if using), salt, and 2 drops of oil in a pressure cooker.
2. Pressure cook on low flame for 1 whistle. Once the pressure releases naturally, open the cooker and give the mixture a good mash with a spoon or potato masher. Add 1 cup of water and set aside.
3. While the rice and dal are cooking, let’s make the magic happen with the Bisi Bele Bath powder. Grind the powder, coconut, tamarind, and jaggery with a little water into a smooth paste.
4. In a separate pot, boil the ground paste with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt for about 5 minutes. This step really blooms the flavors of the spices. Add the jaggery and mix well.
5. Now, pour the ground paste into the rice-dal mixture and stir everything together. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Add 1-2 tbsp of ghee for richness. If the Bisi Bele Bath is too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Finally, let’s make the tempering! Heat 1 tsp of oil in a small pan. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the curry leaves and hing. Fry for a few seconds, then add the roasted peanuts and fry until golden brown.
7. Pour this fragrant tempering over the Bisi Bele Bath and give it a good mix. Serve hot!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the rice and dal! You want a slightly mushy consistency, but not completely broken down.
• Adjust the amount of Bisi Bele Bath powder to your spice preference.
• A good quality tamarind makes all the difference.
• Roasting the peanuts beforehand adds a lovely nutty flavor.

Variations

• My Mom’s Version: She always adds a small potato, diced, along with the other vegetables.
• Friend’s Favorite: A friend of mine loves to add a handful of spinach towards the end of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Spicier Kick: Add a finely chopped green chili to the tempering for an extra spicy kick.

Vegan Adaptation

Simply skip the ghee and use a plant-based oil instead. It’s just as delicious!

Gluten-Free Adaptation

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

Spice Level Adjustment

• Mild: Use 3 tbsp of Bisi Bele Bath powder.
• Medium: Use 4 tbsp of Bisi Bele Bath powder (as per the recipe).
• Spicy: Use 5 tbsp of Bisi Bele Bath powder and add a chopped green chili to the tempering.

Festival Adaptations

Bisi Bele Bath is a popular dish during festivals like Ugadi (Kannada New Year) and Gowri Habba. It’s often served as part of a traditional festive meal.

Serving Suggestions

Bisi Bele Bath is a complete meal on its own, but it’s even better with some accompaniments! Try serving it with:

• Kara Boondi (spicy fried gram flour balls)
• Finely chopped onions
• A dollop of yogurt (for a cooling effect)
• Pickle

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. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to develop!

FAQs

What is Bisi Bele Bath and where does it originate?

Bisi Bele Bath literally translates to “hot rice” in Kannada. It’s a traditional dish from Karnataka, India, and is considered a staple in many households.

What is Bisi Bele Bath powder made of?

Bisi Bele Bath powder is a complex blend of spices, typically including coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, red chilies, black peppercorns, turmeric, and curry leaves.

Can I make it at home?

Absolutely! There are many recipes available online. [Link to a Bisi Bele Bath powder recipe here]

Can I use a different type of dal for this recipe?

While Toor dal is traditional, you can experiment with a mix of Toor and Moong dal for a slightly different texture.

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

Adjust the amount of tamarind used in the ground paste. More tamarind equals more tanginess!

What is the best way to serve Bisi Bele Bath?

Serve it hot with kara boondi, onions, or a dollop of yogurt. It’s a complete meal in itself!