🥘 Bisi Bele Bath – Karnataka’s Warm Hug in a Bowl!
“Nam Karnataka da ruchi, Bisi Bele Bath illa andre oota incomplete!”
That’s what Karnataka folks say when this iconic dish is missing from the table!
Bisi Bele Bath, a beloved Karnataka recipe, is a spiced, tangy, and comforting one-pot meal made with rice, lentils, vegetables, and a special spice blend. Known as Karnataka’s signature dish, this wholesome delicacy is deeply rooted in the culinary culture of Mysore and Bengaluru. If you’re looking to recreate the authentic Bisi Bele Bath recipe, here’s a step-by-step blog that brings the traditional taste straight to your kitchen.
🥄 What is Bisi Bele Bath?
Bisi Bele Bath, literally meaning “hot lentil rice” in Kannada, is a traditional Karnataka rice dish cooked with toor dal, vegetables, tamarind pulp, jaggery, and a fragrant spice blend known as Bisi Bele Bath powder. The dish is often served with a dollop of ghee and crunchy boondi or papad.
🍛 Why Bisi Bele Bath is Karnataka’s Culinary Star
- Rich in flavor with a perfect balance of spice, tang, and umami
- A wholesome meal that includes carbs, protein, and fiber
- Traditional recipe passed down through generations
- Regularly featured in Udupi restaurants and South Indian thalis
🌿 Ingredients for Bisi Bele Bath (Serves 4)
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- ½ cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
- 2 tbsp tamarind pulp
- 1 tsp jaggery
- 2 tbsp Bisi Bele Bath powder (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- A few curry leaves
- 2 tbsp ghee
- Salt to taste
Vegetables (chopped):
- 1 carrot
- ½ cup beans
- ½ cup green peas
- 1 potato
- 1 tomato
- Optional: brinjal or capsicum
🔥 How to Make Authentic Bisi Bele Bath at Home
✅ Step 1: Cook the Rice and Dal Separately
Wash and pressure cook the rice with 3 cups of water until it becomes soft and slightly mushy.
Meanwhile, cook the toor dal in a separate pot until tender. Once done, mash it well and set it aside.
✅ Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat oil in a pan and lightly sauté the chopped vegetables for 3–4 minutes.
Splash in a little water and continue cooking until they turn soft but not mushy.
✅ Step 3: Mix Tamarind, Jaggery & Spices
Now, stir in the tamarind pulp, jaggery, Bisi Bele Bath powder, and salt to the vegetables.
Let this mixture simmer gently for 4–5 minutes so the flavors can blend beautifully.
✅ Step 4: Combine Rice, Dal, and Veggie Mix
Gently fold the mashed dal and cooked rice into the simmering vegetable mixture.
Stir everything together until well combined, adding water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
Let it simmer for another 5 minutes so all ingredients meld into a unified, aromatic dish.
✅ Step 5: Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
In a small pan, heat a spoonful of ghee until it’s hot.
Toss in mustard seeds, fresh curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida.
Once they crackle, pour this flavorful tadka over the Bisi Bele Bath and mix well before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve hot Bisi Bele Bath with:
- Ghee drizzled on top
- Kara boondi or potato chips
- A dollop of curd or raita on the side
- Fried papad for crunch
🌶️ Make Your Own Bisi Bele Bath Powder (Optional)
Dry roast the following and grind:
- 1 tbsp chana dal
- 1 tbsp urad dal
- 4–6 dry red chilies
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
- 2 tsp grated dry coconut
This fresh masala adds unmatched aroma to your homemade dish.
💡 Pro Tips to Perfect Bisi Bele Bath
- Use short-grain rice for best texture
- Adjust jaggery and tamarind based on your taste
- Don’t skip ghee for the authentic touch
- Add roasted cashews for richness
🧠 Cultural Context: Why Karnataka Loves Bisi Bele Bath
Originating from the kitchens of Mysore Palace, Bisi Bele Bath is now a household staple across Karnataka. Whether it’s a weekend lunch, temple feast, or a railway canteen meal, this dish holds an irreplaceable spot.
📣 Final Word
Recreate this soul-warming Bisi Bele Bath recipe and experience a slice of Karnataka’s rich culinary heritage right at home. Share it with your family, and don’t forget to drizzle that ghee—it’s the magic touch!