Bisi Bele Bath Recipe- Authentic Karnataka Rice & Lentil Dish

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Bisi Bele Bath Recipe: Authentic Karnataka Rice & Lentil Dish

Hello friends! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s incredibly close to my heart – Bisi Bele Bath. It’s a one-pot wonder from Karnataka, and honestly, it’s comfort food defined. I first made this when I was trying to recreate the flavors of my aunt’s cooking, and while it took a few tries, I finally got it just right! It’s a little bit of work, but trust me, the explosion of flavors is so worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bisi Bele Bath (meaning “hot rice” in Kannada) is a complete meal in itself. It’s savory, tangy, and slightly spicy – a beautiful harmony of rice, lentils, vegetables, and a unique blend of spices. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive occasion. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get a hearty and nutritious meal on the table with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Bisi Bele Bath:

• 1 cup rice
• 0.25 cup raw peanuts
• 2.5 cups water (for soaking rice & peanuts)
• 0.25 teaspoon salt (for rice & peanuts)
• 1 tablespoon tamarind
• 0.5 cup warm water (for tamarind)
• 0.75 cup pigeon pea lentils (tuvar dal)
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 cups water (for lentils)
• 1 medium carrot (chopped)
• 18-20 french beans (chopped)
• 0.5 cup green peas
• 3-4 small brinjals (chopped)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 medium tomato (chopped)
• 0.25 teaspoon salt (for vegetables)
• 2 cups water (for vegetables)
• 1 cup water (for final dish)
• 3 tablespoons Bisi Bele Bath masala
• 1 cup water (for masala)
• 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut
• Salt to taste
• 3-4 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 12-15 curry leaves
• 1-2 Marathi moggu (kapok buds)
• 2-3 dried red chilies
• 18-20 cashews
• 0.25 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients that make Bisi Bele Bath special:

• Bisi Bele Bath Masala: This is the defining flavor of the dish. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or online. There are many brands, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite!
• Marathi Moggu (Kapok Buds): These add a unique, floral aroma. If you can’t find them, a tiny pinch of saffron can be a (very) distant substitute, but it won’t be quite the same.
• Tuvar Dal (Pigeon Pea Lentils): This is the traditional lentil used in Bisi Bele Bath. It cooks up beautifully and has a lovely texture. Don’t substitute with other lentils if you want the authentic taste.
• Rice: Use a medium-grain rice like Sona Masoori for the best texture. Basmati rice can be a bit too fluffy.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, rinse the rice and peanuts together. Soak them in 2.5 cups of water for about 20 minutes. Then, cook them with a pinch of salt until they’re tender. Set aside.
2. While the rice and peanuts are soaking, soak the tamarind in 0.5 cup of warm water for about 30 minutes. Once softened, extract the pulp and strain it to remove any seeds.
3. Now, pressure cook the tuvar dal with turmeric powder and 2 cups of water for 8-9 whistles. Once cooked, mash the lentils and set them aside.
4. In a separate pot, cook the chopped vegetables (carrot, french beans, green peas, and brinjals) with a little salt and 2 cups of water until they’re tender. Remember to reserve the stock – we’ll need it later!
5. In a large pot, combine the cooked rice, lentils, vegetables, tamarind pulp, and 1 cup of water. Mix gently to combine everything.
6. In a separate bowl, dissolve the Bisi Bele Bath masala in 1 cup of water. Add this to the pot along with the desiccated coconut. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add salt to taste.
7. While the Bisi Bele Bath simmers, let’s make the tempering! Heat ghee (or oil) in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add curry leaves, Marathi moggu, dried red chilies, cashews, and asafoetida. Fry until the cashews are golden brown.
8. Pour the tempering over the Bisi Bele Bath and mix well. Let the flavors infuse for about 5 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the soaking step for the rice and peanuts – it helps them cook evenly.
• Adjust the amount of Bisi Bele Bath masala to your liking. Start with 3 tablespoons and add more if you prefer a spicier dish.
• Simmering the Bisi Bele Bath allows the flavors to really develop. Be patient!

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply substitute the ghee with vegetable oil.
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Spice Level Adjustment:
  • Mild: Reduce the number of red chilies in the tempering.
  • Medium: Use the recipe as is.
  • Spicy: Add an extra red chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Festival Adaptations: My family always makes this for Ugadi (Kannada New Year) and Sankranti. It’s considered an auspicious dish!

Serving Suggestions

Bisi Bele Bath is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with some accompaniments! I love serving it with:

• Papad
• Banana chips
• Raita (yogurt dip)
• A side of 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 more time to develop!

FAQs

• What is Bisi Bele Bath and where does it originate? Bisi Bele Bath is a traditional Karnataka dish, meaning “hot rice” in Kannada. It’s a flavorful rice and lentil dish cooked with vegetables and a unique spice blend.
• Can I make Bisi Bele Bath ahead of time? Yes! You can make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld even more overnight.
• What is Marathi Moggu and can I substitute it? Marathi Moggu (kapok buds) adds a unique floral aroma. It’s hard to substitute perfectly, but a tiny pinch of saffron can be used in a pinch.
• How do I adjust the spice level of this dish? Adjust the number of red chilies in the tempering, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• What is the best type of rice to use for Bisi Bele Bath? A medium-grain rice like Sona Masoori works best. Basmati rice can be a bit too fluffy.

Enjoy making this delicious and comforting Bisi Bele Bath! I hope it brings a little bit of Karnataka sunshine to your kitchen. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!