International Cuisine

Spicy South Indian Khara Bhath (Savory Semolina Porridge) Recipe

Published
Jan 16, 2025
Reading time
2 min
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Description:
Khara Bhath is a traditional South Indian breakfast dish from Karnataka. It’s a savory semolina porridge that’s perfect for the morning meal or a light evening snack, often enjoyed with tea or coffee.

Cuisine: Karnataka
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup semolina (sooji)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3/4 cup mixed vegetables (beans, carrots, tomatoes, eggplant), finely chopped
  • 1-inch ginger, finely chopped
  • 2 green chilies, chopped
  • 3 tsp Vangi Bath powder (spiced powder)
  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 lemon
  • Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp grated coconut
  • Salt, to taste

For Tempering:

  • 1 tsp mustard seeds (rai)
  • 1 tsp white urad dal
  • 1/2 tsp chana dal
  • A few cashews, broken
  • A few curry leaves
  • 1 dry red chili, broken
  • A pinch of turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 tbsp ghee

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Instructions

  1. Start by preparing all the ingredients. In a dry pan, roast the semolina (sooji) until it turns light golden. Set it aside.
  2. In a large pan, heat oil and ghee. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. After 10 seconds, add urad dal and chana dal. Saute for about 30 seconds.
  3. Add chopped onions and bell pepper to the pan, and cook until soft.
  4. Add the mixed vegetables, salt, and turmeric powder. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
  5. Stir in Vangi Bath powder and cook for a minute. Then add 3 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
  6. Once the water starts boiling, slowly add the roasted semolina (sooji), stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cover the pan and let it cook for 2-3 minutes on low heat.
  7. Turn off the heat, and garnish with chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut.
  8. Serve Khara Bhath hot with coconut chutney and filter coffee for a complete South Indian breakfast experience!

Enjoy your delicious Khara Bhath as a wholesome breakfast or evening snack!