Bisi Bele Bath: Healthy, Nutritious Not-Food but the Emotion of Bangalore

For any Bangalorean, Bisi Bele Bath will not just be a food but an emotion. This simple yet delicious and nutrition packed dish was originated in the state of Karnataka. It is a flavorful and wholesome one-pot meal made with rice, lentils, and vegetables, cooked with a blend of aromatic spices and tamarind pulp. 

The name “bisi bele bath” is derived from the Kannada language, where “bisi” means hot, “bele” means lentils, and “bath” means rice. The dish is typically served for lunch or dinner and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

The fragrant aroma of spices, you can’t help but salivate in anticipation. The sight of the colorful vegetables and perfectly cooked rice and lentils is too much to resist. The rich and complex flavor of  the combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors dance on your tongue, leaving you wanting more. The tender lentils and rice perfectly complement the soft and flavorful vegetables, making each bite a true delight.

The warmth of the dish, combined with the burst of flavors, makes it hard to stop eating. The dish is so satisfying and comforting that you can’t help but crave it, even after you have finished your meal, no matter whether you are a kannadiga or Candian. 

Here is a recipe for making delicious and wholesome bisi bele bath:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
• 1/2 cup peas
• 2 tablespoons tamarind pulp
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 2 teaspoons red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon bisi bele bath masala powder (available at Indian grocery stores)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice and toor dal separately and soak in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a pressure cooker or a pot, add 4 cups of water, soaked rice, and dal, and cook for 3-4 whistles or until the rice and dal are cooked and soft.
3. In a pan, heat the ghee and oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
4. Add chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent.
5. Add chopped tomato, diced carrot, chopped green beans, and peas. Sauté for 5-6 minutes.
6. Add salt, turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and bisi bele bath masala powder.

The lentils in bisi bele bath are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer. The vegetables, such as carrots, beans, and peas, provide essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and vitamin C, as well as fiber.

Bisi bele bath also contains a variety of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and turmeric, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may have health benefits such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Bisi bele bath can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. The complex flavors not only make you taste buds happy but also your gut healthy.