Bisi Bele Bath Recipe 2026: Easy Steps With Sambar Powder

Bisi Bele Bath Recipe 2026 brings you this classic South Indian comfort food with step-by-step instructions, authentic tips and nutrition info that even a beginner cook can follow. Bisi Bele Bath, literally meaning “hot lentil rice” in Kannada, is a staple from Karnataka, India with a rich history rooted in the Mysore Palace kitchens. It combines rice, lentils, mixed vegetables, and a fragrant spice blend to make a hearty one-pot meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Recipe Card

Ingredients With Exact Quantities

• 1 cup (200 g) raw rice (preferably sona masuri)
• 3/4 cup (150 g) toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced
• 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh peas
• 1 medium potato, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 3 tbsp Bisi Bele Bath powder (or good sambar powder)
• 2 tbsp tamarind extract (soak lemon-sized tamarind in water)
• 2 tbsp jaggery (optional, for balanced taste)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 3 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 10–12 curry leaves
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
• Salt to taste
• Optional: roasted cashews or peanuts for garnish

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prep Work (10 mins)

Wash the rice and toor dal together in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak them for 15–20 minutes. Soaking reduces cooking time and helps the grains cook evenly.

2. Cook Rice & Dal (20 mins)

In a pressure cooker, add soaked rice and toor dal with 4 cups of water, turmeric and a pinch of salt. Pressure cook for 4 whistles or about 15 minutes until both are soft and mushy. Set aside. This is the base of your Bisi Bele Bath. Understanding Bisi Bele Bath Recipe 2026 is essential.

3. Cook Vegetables (10 mins)

Heat oil/ghee in a large heavy pan over medium flame. Add mustard seeds. When they sputter, add curry leaves and asafoetida. Sauté the onion for 2 minutes until translucent. Add carrots, beans, peas and potato. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until they soften slightly. Add tomato and cook another 2 minutes.

4. Add Flavors (10 mins)

Pour in 3 cups of water and bring the vegetables to a boil. Add tamarind extract and jaggery. Stir well and cook until vegetables are tender. Add Bisi Bele Bath powder or your preferred sambar powder with salt, and simmer for 5 minutes to let the spices bloom.

5. Combine & Simmer (10 mins)

Add the cooked rice and dal mixture to the vegetables. Stir gently to combine everything. Adjust the consistency by adding more hot water if it’s too thick. Let the Bisi Bele Bath simmer for 8–10 minutes on low heat for flavors to blend and the dish to thicken slightly. This relates to Bisi Bele Bath Recipe 2026.

6. Garnish & Serve

Turn off heat. Drizzle a little ghee on top and garnish with roasted peanuts or cashews if using. Serve hot with papad, salad or simple curd on the side.

Pro Tips From Personal Cooking Experience

• I personally recommend using fresh Bisi Bele Bath powder instead of pre-packaged sambar powder for authentic flavor.
• If the dish becomes too thick, add a ladle of boiling water rather than cold — it keeps the texture smooth.
• When I visited Karnataka, I noticed restaurants always add a touch of freshly cracked pepper for sharp aroma — try that!
• For deeper flavor, roast the spices lightly before adding them to the vegetables.
• Don’t skip jaggery — it balances the tang of tamarind beautifully.

Chef’s Notes

Substitutions

You can use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier twist. For a vegan version, replace ghee with coconut oil. If you can’t find Bisi Bele Bath powder, use a high-quality sambar powder but increase roasted spices to mimic the original taste.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water so it regains its creamy consistency. You can also freeze portions for up to a month — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Learn more about Bisi Bele Bath Recipe 2026.

Nutrition Information Per Serving

Nutrition values can vary based on ingredients and portion size. These figures are based on standard recipes and sources like SnapCalorie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Bisi Bele Bath without vegetables?

Yes. While vegetables add nutrition and color, you can make a simpler version with rice, dal and spices — but it won’t be as rich or balanced.

What’s the difference between Bisi Bele Bath and Sambar Rice?

Although similar, Bisi Bele Bath uses a unique Bisi Bele Bath powder and has a thicker, more porridge-like consistency compared to sambar rice.

Can I adjust spice levels?

Absolutely. Reduce chillies or spice powder if you prefer milder flavors, or add extra for heat.

Final Thoughts

Bisi Bele Bath stands as a beloved dish from Karnataka’s rich culinary heritage — warm, satisfying, and packed with flavors that tell stories of communal kitchens and royal feasts. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this Bisi Bele Bath Recipe 2026 will keep your kitchen brimming with fragrance and joy.