Bisi Bele Bath Recipe 2026 In Rice Cooker Easy Cooking Process

Bisi Bele Bath Recipe 2026 is a delicious, hearty South Indian rice and lentil dish from Karnataka that I personally love because it combines rice, lentils, vegetables, and a special spice blend into one satisfying meal. The phrase literally means “hot lentil rice” and reflects the dish’s comforting texture and bold flavours drawn from a rich cultural history at the Wikipedia page on Bisi Bele Bath. Traditionally served piping hot, this dish goes well with crunchy papad or boondi and a squeeze of lime for brightness.

Recipe Card

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw rice (short grain or sona masuri)
• ½ cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 1 tbsp Bisi Bele Bath powder (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 6-8 French beans, chopped
• ½ medium potato, cubed
• ½ cup chopped tomato
• 1 small onion, finely sliced
• 1 tbsp tamarind paste (or soaked tamarind water)
• 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter) or oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp asafoetida (hing)
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 8-10 cashew nuts (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 4 cups water (adjust for consistency)

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Rice And Dal (10 mins)

Rinse the rice and toor dal separately under running water until clear. Add rice to the rice cooker with 2 cups water, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Place the dal in a separate heatproof bowl with 1½ cups water and a pinch of salt. Set both in the rice cooker together and cook until soft (rice should be slightly mushy). This usually takes about 25-30 minutes in most rice cooker models.

Step 2: Cook Vegetables (8 mins)

While rice and dal cook, heat 1 tbsp ghee in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them pop. Then add curry leaves, asafoetida, and cashews. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until nuts turn golden. Add onions and cook until translucent. Add carrot, beans, peas, potato, and tomato; stir for 3-4 minutes until partially tender. Understanding Bisi Bele Bath Recipe 2026 is essential.

Step 3: Combine Masala And Tamarind (5 mins)

Stir in the Bisi Bele Bath powder with the vegetables, then pour in tamarind paste and ½ cup water. Mix well and let simmer for 3-5 minutes so the spices and tanginess meld into the veggies.

Step 4: Mix Rice And Dal (4 mins)

Once the rice and dal are done, open the rice cooker. Carefully mash the dal with a spoon or ladle, then add the cooked rice to the vegetable-masala mix. Gently fold everything together. Add 1-2 cups water to achieve desired consistency — Bisi Bele Bath is traditionally slightly porridge-like.

Step 5: Final Simmer (5 mins)

Cover the rice cooker and set on “Warm” for another 5 minutes. This helps the flavours develop fully. Taste and adjust salt or spice level according to preference, then serve hot with a drizzle of ghee on top. This relates to Bisi Bele Bath Recipe 2026.

Nutrition Information (Approx. Per Serving)

Nutrition values are estimated from multiple sources and depend on added oil and portion size. Typical calorie counts range from ~304 kcal per cup to ~380 kcal per serving.

Pro Tips From Personal Experience

• Use Slightly Mushy Rice: For authentic texture, let the rice be a little overcooked so it blends smoothly with dal and masala.
• Roast Fresh Masala: If you have time, toast your own Bisi Bele Bath powder — it makes a huge flavour difference.
• Tamarind Balance: Don’t skip jaggery (optional). A small piece enhances the tangy notes beautifully.
• Veggie Choices: I like adding brinjal (eggplant) or zucchini for extra body and nutrition.
• Rice Cooker Setting: Always use the “Cook” setting for main cooking and “Warm” for simmering to prevent overcooking.

Chef’s Notes

Substitutions

You can substitute brown rice for white rice for a nuttier flavour and more fiber. If you’re vegan, replace ghee with coconut oil. Quinoa works in a pinch, but change the water ratio accordingly.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water to loosen the consistency before serving. Freeze up to 1 month, but texture may soften. Learn more about Bisi Bele Bath Recipe 2026.

Serving Suggestions

I personally recommend serving Bisi Bele Bath hot with crispy papad, a side of raita, or even lime pickle. On my last trip to Bangalore, I savoured this dish at a local Udupi restaurant and the contrast of hot rice, tangy spice, and crunchy sides was unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make Bisi Bele Bath Without A Rice Cooker?

Yes, stovetop works fine. Just cook rice and dal until visually soft and fluffy before combining with vegetables and masala.

Is Bisi Bele Bath Spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted. The traditional masala often includes dried red chilies and pepper, so add gradually to suit your heat tolerance.

Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

Yes. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free unless your spice mix has additives that contain gluten.

Is This Dish Healthy?

It’s a balanced meal — carbohydrates from rice, protein from dal, fiber and vitamins from vegetables. It can fit into most diets with modest portions.