Bisi Bele Bath Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Rice and Lentil Mixture:

• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 1/4 cup tamarind pulp (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

For the Spice Paste:

• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 1 tablespoon urad dal (split black gram)
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 4-5 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
• 1 small piece of cinnamon stick
• 4-5 cloves
• 2-3 green cardamom pods

For Tempering:

• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 10-12 curry leaves
• 1/4 cup mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, beans), chopped
• 2 tablespoons cashew nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cooking Rice and Lentils:
   • Wash rice and toor dal together. In a pressure cooker, add the washed rice, toor dal, turmeric powder, tamarind pulp, and salt. Cook until both rice and dal are soft and well-cooked. Set aside.
2. Preparing the Spice Paste:
   • Dry roast coriander seeds, chana dal, urad dal, fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods in a pan over medium heat until they turn aromatic and golden brown. Allow them to cool.
   • Grind the roasted spices along with grated coconut into a fine paste using a little water.
3. Tempering:
   • In a large pot or deep pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
   • Add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté for a minute.
   • Add the chopped mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.
   • Add cashew nuts (if using) and sauté until they turn golden brown.
4. Mixing Everything Together:
   • Add the ground spice paste to the pot and mix well with the tempered vegetables.
   • Add the cooked rice and dal mixture to the pot. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
5. Adjusting Consistency:
   • If needed, add a little hot water to adjust the consistency to your liking. Bisi bele bath should be slightly thick.
6. Simmering:
   • Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors to meld together.
7. Serving:
   • Serve hot garnished with some fresh coriander leaves.

Enjoy your quick and flavorful Bisi Bele Bath!