Bisi Bele Bath (with Fresh Ground Masala)

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Bisi Bele Bath is a rice based dish popular in Karnataka, India. Bisi Bele Bath translates to Hot Lentil Rice in Kannada language. The traditional preparation of this dis is quite elaborate and involves the use of spicy masalas, toor dal (pigeon peas) and vegetables. It is served hot and sometimes eaten with salad, potato chips or papad. This dish is commonly found in restaurants that serve the Udupi cuisine.

Ingredients:

Preparing Time: 15-20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Serves: 2-3

  1. 1 cup Raw Rice
  2. 1/2 cup Toor Dal (pigeon peas)
  3. cups Water
  4. 2-3 tbsp Ghee
  5. Small gooseberry sized Tamarind 
  6. 4-5 Small Onions (shallots)
  7. 1 Tomato (chopped)
  8. 2 Carrots (chopped)
  9. Handful of Peas
  10. 1 Potato (chopped optional)
  11. 4-5 Beans (chopped optional)
  12. Salt to taste 


For Grinding Bisi Bele Bath Masala:
  1. 1/2 cup Dry Coconut Powder 
  2. 1 tbsp Coriander Seeds
  3. 7-8 Dry Red Chilis 
  4. 2 tsp Channa Dal (bengal gram)
  5. 1 tsp Urad Dal (black gram)
  6. 1/2 tsp Fenugreek Seeds
  7. 1 inch Cinnamon Stick 
  8. 2-3 Cloves 
  9. 1 tsp Khus Khus 
  10. 1-2 tsp Oil


For Tempering or Seasoning:
  1. 2 tsp Ghee
  2. 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
  3. 2 dry Red Chilis
  4. A pinch of Asafetida 



Method:



For Frying And Grinding Masalas:
  • Heat oil in a pan.
  • Roast all the ingredients under For grinding Bisi Bele Bath Masala.
  • Roast everything until it changes to golden brown in color.
  • Grind the masala dry, without adding water.
  • Store it in a air tight container if using later.


  • Wash dal and rice. 
  • Add water and pressure cook for 4 whistles.
  • Once the pressure comes to the room temperature, mash the rice mixture well and set aside.
  • Soak the tamarind in hot water for 15 minutes.


  • Heat ghee in a pan.
  • Add the ingredients listed above in For Tempering or Seasoning.
  • Sauté funnily the mustard seeds crackle.
  • Add chopped onion shallots and sauté until they are translucent.
  • Add all the vegetables, sprinkle some water and cook for 4-5 minutes.
  • Now add the Bisi Bele Bath masala and tamarind extract.


  • Add salt to it and let it boil well until the vegetables are cooked well.
  • Add this mixture to the cooked rice mixture.
  • Also add 2-3 tbsp ghee and mix well.
  • Serve hot with Potato Chips or Papad.








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