Bisi Bele Bath Recipe 2026 Easy Cooking Process With Cooked Rice

Bisi Bele Bath Recipe 2026 brings you an authentic South Indian classic that blends rice, lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices into a warm one-pot meal. Originating from the state of Karnataka in India, this dish — whose name literally means “hot lentil rice” in the Kannada language — was once reserved for royalty in the Mysore Palace before becoming a popular household favourite across the world.

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Ingredients (Exact Quantities)

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably short-grain like sona masoori)
• 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon pea lentils)
• 1½ cups mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, potato)
• 1 large onion, finely sliced
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 2–3 tbsp Bisi Bele Bath masala powder (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp tamarind pulp (soaked and strained)
• 1 tsp jaggery (optional but traditional)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• ½ tsp mustard seeds
• 10–12 curry leaves
• ½ tsp asafoetida (hing)
• ½ cup roasted cashews (optional)
• 4–5 dried red chillies

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Dal and Rice (30 Minutes)

1. Rinse 1 cup toor dal under cold water until the water runs clear.

On the other hand, 2. In a pressure cooker, add the dal, 2½ cups water, ½ tsp turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Pressure cook for 5–6 whistles until dal is mushy. Understanding Bisi Bele Bath Recipe 2026 is essential.

3. In another pot or cooker, cook 2 cups rice with 2¼ cups water for 3–4 whistles until grains are soft but intact.

However, 4. Once cooled slightly, mash the dal lightly with a ladle and fluff the rice gently. Set aside. (10–15 mins)

2. Cook Vegetables and Masala Base (15 Minutes)

1. Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a deep heavy bottom pan. Add mustard seeds and let them pop for 30 seconds. Then add dried red chillies, curry leaves and sauté for another 30 seconds. (1 min) This relates to Bisi Bele Bath Recipe 2026.

Moreover, 2. Add sliced onions and sauté until translucent — about 3–4 minutes. Add chopped tomato and cook 2 minutes until soft. (6 mins)

However, 3. Add mixed vegetables, stir thoroughly, and cook until vegetables are half tender — about 5 minutes. (5 mins)

3. Add Tamarind, Masala & Simmer (10 Minutes)

1. Mix tamarind pulp, Bisi Bele Bath masala powder, jaggery (if using) and salt to the vegetable mix. Stir for 1 minute. (1 min) Learn more about Bisi Bele Bath Recipe 2026.

Moreover, 2. Pour 1½ cups hot water into the pan to form a thin gravy and bring it to a gentle boil. (4 mins)

4. Combine Rice, Dal & Finish (10 Minutes)

1. Add the cooked dal and rice to the simmering vegetable mixture. Fold gently so rice and dal meld with the spiced gravy. (3 mins)

2. Check for consistency — it should be semi-fluid like porridge; adjust with ½ cup water if too thick. Simmer 5 minutes on low heat. (7 mins)

5. Tempering (Tadka) (5 Minutes)

1. In a small pan, heat remaining ghee, roast cashews until golden, then add a pinch of asafoetida and a few curry leaves. (2 mins)

2. Pour this aromatic tempering over the Bisi Bele Bath and mix. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee and crispy papad. (3 mins)

Pro Tips From My Kitchen

• I personally recommend soaking the rice for 20 minutes before cooking — it cuts the cook time and makes the grains fluffier.
• Use short-grain rice like sona masoori for authentic Karnataka texture; basmati can make it mushy.
• For deeper flavour, dry roast your own Bisi Bele Bath masala powder with coriander, chana dal and coconut before grinding.
• What surprised me when I first tried this dish was how balanced sweet, sour, and spicy notes improve the humble rice and dal into a feast.
• If you want heat, increase dried red chillies in the masala powder.

Chef’s Notes: Substitutions & Storage

Substitutions

• Rice: Brown rice or quinoa can be used, but increase water and cook 10–15 minutes longer.
• Dal: Moong dal can partly substitute toor dal, though flavour shifts slightly.
• Oil vs Ghee: Use coconut oil for a vegan twist but finish with a spoon of ghee for aroma if not vegan.
• Vegetables: Add drumstick or brinjal if in season.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat with a splash of water on the stovetop to loosen texture; microwave on high for 2–3 minutes.
• This dish freezes well for up to 1 month — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

*Approximate values based on a similar Karnataka style Bisi Bele Bath recipe — portions vary with vegetables and ghee used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Bisi Bele Bath ahead?

Yes. Prepare all components (rice, dal, and vegetables) ahead and combine right before serving for just-made flavour.

What to serve with Bisi Bele Bath?

Traditionally served with crispy papad, boondi, or a cool cucumber raitha for contrast. For authentic Karnataka experience, pair with Karnataka Tourism’s description on local food.

Is Bisi Bele Bath healthy?

Yes, it’s nutrient-dense with protein from dal, fibre from vegetables, and complex carbohydrates from rice — a balanced one-pot meal.