Bisi Bele Bath - A Spicy and Flavorful Rice and Lentil Dish

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) rice 1 cup (200g) rice
• 1/2 cup (100g) toor dal (split pigeon peas) 1/2 cup (100g) toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 1/2 cup (100g) mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas) 1/2 cup (100g) mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tamarind pulp 2 tablespoons tamarind pulp
• 2 tablespoons Bisi Bele Bath masala powder 2 tablespoons Bisi Bele Bath masala powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 4-5 curry leaves 4-5 curry leaves
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 6g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash the rice and dal separately, then soak them in water for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a pressure cooker, heat ghee and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add cumin seeds and curry leaves.
3. 3.
   Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Then, add tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
4. 4.
   Add the mixed vegetables, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for a few minutes.
5. 5.
   Drain the soaked rice and dal, and add them to the pressure cooker. Mix well.
6. 6.
   Add tamarind pulp, Bisi Bele Bath masala powder, and 4 cups of water. Stir everything together.
7. 7.
   Close the pressure cooker and cook on medium heat for 3-4 whistles.
8. 8.
   Once the pressure releases naturally, open the cooker and give the Bisi Bele Bath a gentle stir.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tamarind pulp — Soak tamarind in warm water for 10 minutes, then extract the pulp by squeezing it with your hands. Discard the seeds and fibers.
• Bisi Bele Bath masala powder — You can either make your own by grinding spices like coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cinnamon, cloves, and fenugreek seeds, or use a store-bought masala powder for convenience.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavors, roast the Bisi Bele Bath masala powder before adding it to the dish.
• Adjust the spiciness according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder.
• For a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of grated coconut while grinding the masala.

Serving advice

Serve Bisi Bele Bath hot in a bowl, garnished with fresh coriander leaves. Accompany it with a side of papadums or crispy fried snacks for added crunch.

Presentation advice

To make the dish visually appealing, garnish the Bisi Bele Bath with a drizzle of ghee and sprinkle some roasted cashews on top. Serve it in traditional Indian brass or copper bowls for an authentic touch.