Bisi Bele Bath Recipe – A Spicy Mixed Vegetable Sambar Rice
Description
Bisi Bele Bath, a beloved South Indian comfort food, is a delicious one-pot meal where rice and lentils are lovingly cooked with a medley of vegetables, aromatic spices, and a tangy tamarind base. This wholesome and flavorful dish is finished with a ghee-tempered seasoning and garnished with fresh coriander and crispy boondi. Perfect for a hearty dinner, it is often paired with a cooling tomato-onion raita.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: South Indian
- Course: Dinner
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
Bisi Bele Bath Spice Powder
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1 tablespoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 tablespoon |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 3 |
| Dry Red Chillies | 3 to 4 |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Poppy Seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Vegetable Tamarind Curry/Sambar
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pearl Onions (Sambar Onions) | 7 to 8, peeled |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, diced |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 2, diced |
| Green Peas (Matar) | 1/4 cup |
| Green Beans (French Beans) | 1/2 cup, diced |
| Potato (Aloo) | 1, peeled and diced |
| Drumstick | 1, cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Tomatoes | 2, roughly chopped |
| Tamarind Water | 2 cups |
| Jaggery | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1 cup |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Seasoning
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 or 2 |
| Curry Leaves | 8 to 10 |
Garnishing
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | A small bunch |
| Boondi (Fried) | As needed |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bisi Bele Bath Spice Powder
- Heat a small pan over medium heat. Add the chana dal and urad dal, stirring continuously until lightly browned and aromatic.
- Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, dry red chilies, fenugreek seeds, and coriander seeds. Reduce the heat to low and roast until the chilies begin to brown and release their aroma.
- Stir in the poppy seeds and grated coconut. Continue roasting for about 30–40 seconds until the coconut’s moisture evaporates.
- Add turmeric powder and asafoetida, mixing well. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool completely.
- Blend the cooled ingredients into a fine powder using a spice blender. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetable Tamarind Curry/Sambar
- In a large pressure cooker, combine tamarind water, jaggery, drumsticks, pearl onions, green beans, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, and salt.
- Add the prepared Bisi Bele Bath spice powder and mix well.
- Seal the cooker with the lid and weight. Cook for 2 whistles over medium heat, then turn off the heat.
- Release pressure by running cold water over the cooker. Open the lid and transfer the vegetable curry to a bowl. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Rice and Lentils
- In the same (or another) pressure cooker, add washed rice, washed arhar dal, turmeric powder, salt, and 5 cups of water. Mix well.
- Close the lid and pressure cook on high heat until 2 whistles are heard. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes before turning off the heat.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally. Open the cooker and fluff the rice-dal mixture gently.
Step 4: Prepare the Seasoning
- Heat a small pan on medium heat. Melt the ghee and add mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter.
- Add cumin seeds, dry red chili, and curry leaves. Roast until the chilies brown slightly and the leaves are crisp. Set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Bisi Bele Bath
- To the cooked rice-lentil mixture, add the prepared vegetable tamarind curry. Mix until everything combines into a thick, porridge-like consistency.
- Stir in the prepared seasoning and an additional 2 tablespoons of ghee for enhanced flavor. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the Bisi Bele Bath to a serving bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and fried boondi.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bisi Bele Bath warm with a side of Tomato-Onion Raita or plain yogurt. For an authentic South Indian experience, pair it with crispy papad and a dollop of tangy pickle.
Enjoy this aromatic and wholesome dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings!
