Bisi bele bath is a spicy, tangy, rice-based dish from the state of Karnataka. The name ‘Bisi bele bath’ is in kannada and it translates to ‘hot lentil rice‘. This wholesome dish is a popular breakfast/lunch dish that is made from white rice, lentils, a variety of vegetables, spices, and ghee in it. The list of ingredients may look exhaustive but the deliciousness of this dish makes everything worthwhile. Continue reading if you want to know how to make a tasty bisi bele bath.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Preparation:

1. Rinse rice, toor dal, and vegetables under cold running water.
2. Drain and transfer everything into a cooker. Pour water and add a tbsp oil. Pressure cook until dal and rice are completely cooked (usually 3-4 whistles are sufficient).
3. Meanwhile heat vegetable oil in a medium sized pan. Crackle mustard seeds and then fry peanuts until light brown.
4. Fry dried red chillies, curry leaves and a pinch a asafoetida for 10 seconds.
5. Saute sliced onion until transparent and tomatoes until soft and mushy.
6. Add salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder and bisi bele bath powder. Fry for 30 seconds on low heat (Make sure to not burn the masala powders). Then pour tamarind extract & add coriander leaves. Combine and cook for a minute. Turn off heat.
7. Transfer this masala into the pressure cooker containing cooked rice, dal and vegetables. Combine well and add water if necessary to adjust consistency (do not worry if the cooked ingredients inside the cooker gets mashed, it in fact is good if that happens). Turn on heat and cook bisi bele bath on low for another 3 – 4 minutes. Make sure it does not get burnt.
8. Check for salt, spice and sourness at this point. Adjust if necessary.
9. Finally, fry a handful of cashews in ghee in a small pan. Pour this into the pressure cooker and give it a good mix.
10. Serve right after with khaara boondi or spicy mixture as shown.

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