Bisi Bele Bhath

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Bisi bele bhath is a popular and flavorful dish from the Indian state of Karnataka. It is a traditional rice and lentil-based dish cooked with a unique blend of spices, vegetables, and tamarind pulp. "Bisi bele bhath" translates to "hot lentil rice" in the Kannada language.



Here's a basic recipe for preparing bisi bele bhath:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1/2 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
  • 1/4 cup tamarind pulp
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
  • 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 medium-sized carrot, diced
  • 1 medium-sized potato, diced
  • 1/4 cup green peas
  • 1/4 cup diced beans
  • 1/4 cup diced capsicum (bell pepper)
  • 2 tablespoons bisi bele bhath masala powder (readily available in stores)
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Chopped coriander leaves for garnishing

Instructions:

  1. Wash the rice and toor dal separately. Soak them in water for about 30 minutes.
  2. In a pressure cooker or large pot, cook the rice and toor dal together with enough water until they are soft and well cooked.
  3. In a separate bowl, soak the tamarind pulp in warm water for a few minutes. Extract the juice and set it aside.
  4. Heat ghee or oil in a deep pan or kadai. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and fenugreek seeds. Let them splutter.
  5. Add the chopped onions, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
  6. Add the diced vegetables (carrot, potato, peas, beans, capsicum) and cook for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.
  7. Add the bisi bele bhath masala powder and turmeric powder. Mix well and cook for a minute to release the flavors.
  8. Pour in the tamarind juice and add salt to taste. Mix everything well.
  9. Simmer the mixture on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are fully cooked.
  10. Add the cooked rice and dal mixture to the pan. Mix everything together gently, ensuring the rice and dal are well coated with the masala.
  11. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  12. Once done, garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
  13. Serve hot bisi bele bhath with a dollop of ghee on top and enjoy!

Note: Bisi bele bhath is typically served with a side of papad (thin crispy flatbread) or raita (yogurt-based side dish) to complement the flavors.

Remember, this recipe is a basic guideline, and you can customize it by adding or substituting vegetables and adjusting the spice levels according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your bisi bele bhath!

 

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