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Bisi bele bath

Bisi bele bath or BBB is a famous South Indian delicacy, most popular in Bangalore and  Mysore. It is nothing but hot lentil rice. Bisi means hot, Bele means  tur dhal , bath  means rice . Though the ingredients and procedure looks lengthy  it isn’t that complicated. Its  been a while since I was thinking about this post and I was delaying it since I was not happy with the pictures that I had , but then I thought will update it when I prepare it again.(updated).. I seldom make BBB though it is my favourite dish since other members in the family don’t prefer much..
                            As a kid, I first tasted this at my best buddy’s home. Poornima aunty would make the best BBB. Back home Aayi would prepare it on my demand  and it equally tasted very good.                  
                          At present  Santoshi Nayak  prepares the best BBB  and she makes it a point to pack some for me whenever she prepares it . I also shot the pictures of BBB from Santoshi’s preparation. Thank you dear Santoshi for the BBB. Curd rice and BBB make a great pair..This can be had as a breakfast , lunch or a dinner. This dish is also called as Sambhar rice since the masala is almost same as  Sambhar .
Recipe credit : Poornima Shenoy
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Ingredients:
Rice-1 cup(sona masuri)
Tur dal(split red gram dal)-1 cup
Cinnamon-1/2 inch piece
Cloves-3-4
Cardamom-2-3
Grated coconut-1 cup
Mixed vegetables- 1 1/2 cups(carrot,beans,green peas,corn,potato,onion,tomato(chopped into small cubes),cauliflower
Tamarind-marble sized
Raw groundnuts-1/4 cup
Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
Ghee(clarified butter)-2 -3 tbsp
Water-3-4 cups
Coriander leaves-few to garnish
To temper:
Ghee-2 tsp
Mustard seeds-1 tsp
Curry leaves-few sprigs
Cashewnuts-10-15 pieces
To be fried:
Long chillies-5-6
Short red chillies-2-3
Oil-2 -3  tsp
Coriander seeds-1/4 cup(a handful)
Jeera (cumin seeds)-1 tsp
Fenugreek seeds(methi)-2-3 seeds
Peppercorns-7-8
Urad dal( split black gram dal)-1 tsp
Bengal gram dal (chana dal)-1 tsp
Hing(asafoetida)-a pinch
Khus khus(poppy seeds)-1 tsp
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Method:

  1. Roast both the chillies in  a tsp of oil and keep it aside.
  2. Fry the ingredients written under To be fried,one by one separately for eg heat the oil,fry coriander seeds till brown and with the help of a spoon transfer it to the bowl,repeat with all the ingredients same way,lastly fry khus khus.
  3. Dry roast the grated coconut lightly until light brown or until you get a  nice aroma.
  4. Powder the fried ingredients,roasted coconut,garam masala,fried chillies and tamarind together in a blender.
  5. You may also grind it by adding water to a fine paste ,but I prefer to powder.
  6. Boil the tur dal separately and keep it aside.
  7. Take a pressure cooker add washed rice,water,turmeric powder,vegetables,ghee,raw ground nuts,salt to taste and take 3-4 whistle.
  8. Once the pressure releases open the lid,add tur dal and water if you want,add more ghee if you like and take a boil.
  9. Heat ghee,splutter mustard seeds,add curry leaves and cashewnuts and fry for a second and season it to the Bath.
  10. Garnish with coriander leaves and a blob of ghee.
 
 


My notes:
  • The consistency should be watery and not dry(just check the picture).
  • Add hot  water when you adjust adding water.
  • Relish it with boondi, curd rice or potato chips.
  • You may also use pearl onions or madras onions instead of normal ones.
  • Bisi bele bath should be cooked very well or may be said overcooked and all the grains should be smashed well.
    You may also dry roast the ingredients or fry it together too.
  • You may also use store bought bisi bele powder if you want or short of time.
    You may also prepare this powder in advance and refrigerate for few days.
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About SaiGeetha Pai

I am Saigeetha, a homemaker, food blogger, baker and a cook. Cooking is my passion.

3 comments

  1. I have never tasted this before…:)

  2. wow this is a superb one pot meal and you have done it so well

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