Amazingly simple Bisi Bele Bhath Recipe: South Indian Comfort Food at Its Best

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Bisi Bele Bhath Recipe: A Hearty South Indian Delight

Bisi Bele Bhath is a beloved South Indian one-pot meal that brings together the goodness of rice, lentils, and a flavorful blend of spices. The name “Bisi Bele Bhath” translates to “hot lentil rice,” and this dish is known for its rich, spicy, and tangy taste. It’s a delightful comfort food that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe.

Ingredients:

For the Rice and Lentil Base:

  • 1 cup rice (short-grain or medium-grain rice works well)
  • 1/2 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
  • 1/2 cup tamarind extract (soak a small lemon-sized tamarind ball in warm water and extract the pulp)
  • 3-4 cups water (adjust as needed)
  • Salt to taste

For the calorie conscious, take 3/4 cup of rice and toor dal

For the Spice Powder: Alternatively you can use 5 tablespoons of MTR Bisibele Bhath Masala

  • 2 tablespoons chana dal (split chickpeas)
  • 1 tablespoon urad dal (split black gram)
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 1/2 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
  • 4-6 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

For the Tamarind Paste:

  • 1 tablespoon grated jaggery (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste

For the Tempering:

For Garnish:

  • Chopped coriander leaves
  • Freshly grated coconut (optional)

Recommend using Organic ingredients, I usually source them online from Praakritik; use referral code “AROMAS” to enjoy discounts among other benefits

Instructions:

Preparing the Spice Powder:

  1. Heat a dry pan over medium-low heat. Add chana dal, urad dal, coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, peppercorns, and cumin seeds.
  2. Dry roast the spices until they turn aromatic and the dals become golden brown.
  3. Let them cool, then grind them into a fine powder using a blender or spice grinder. This is your Bisi Bele Bhath spice powder.

Cooking the Rice and Lentil Base:

  1. Wash the rice and toor dal together and soak them in water for about 30 minutes. Drain.
  2. In a large pot or pressure cooker, add the rice, dal, tamarind extract, water, and salt.
  3. Pressure cook for about 3-4 whistles or cook without a pressure cooker until the rice and dal are soft and well-cooked. Mash them slightly.

Preparing the Tamarind Paste:

  1. In a small bowl, mix the grated jaggery, tamarind extract, turmeric powder, and salt to form a paste. Set it aside.

Assembling Bisi Bele Bhath:

  1. Heat ghee or oil in a large pan or kadai over medium heat.
  2. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, curry leaves, and asafoetida (hing). Let them splutter and become aromatic.
  3. Add the tamarind paste and cook for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  4. Add the cooked rice and dal mixture to the pan and stir well.
  5. Add the Bisi Bele Bhath spice powder or MTR Bisibele Bhath Masala and mix until everything is well combined.
  6. Adjust the consistency by adding water if needed. The final dish should have a thick, porridge-like consistency.
  7. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Keep stirring to prevent sticking.
  8. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and jaggery as needed.

Serving Bisi Bele Bhath:

Serve hot Bisi Bele Bhath garnished with freshly chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut, if desired. It’s traditionally served with a dollop of ghee or a drizzle of coconut oil.

Bisi Bele Bhath – A Hearty Treat:

Bisi Bele Bhath is a wholesome and comforting meal that combines the earthy flavors of lentils and rice with a delightful blend of spices. It’s a culinary journey to the heart of South India, where each bite is a burst of flavor. Enjoy this dish as a satisfying lunch or dinner option that’s sure to leave you craving for more.

Use Organic Ingredients and savour the true flavours of Indian Cuisine. Ingredients sourced from www.Praakritik.com Use referral code "AROMAS" to avail discounts