Bisi bele bhath is a  kannada phrase which means hot lentil rice. This is a very traditional and popular rice dish and it has its origin in Karnataka.  Bisi bele bhath is prepared with a  combination of lentils, vegetables, spices and tamarind.

Ingredients

• Raw rice - 3/4 cup
• Tur dal - 1/2 cup
• Water - 6 cups
• Small onions - 1/2 cup
• Tamarind water - 1/2 cup
• FOR BISI BELE BATH MASALA
• Coriander seeds - 4 tablespoons
• Split bengal gram dal/chana dal - 1 1/2 tablespoons
• Fenugreek/Methi seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
• Whole red chillies - 5
• Byadgi chillies - 4
• Grated coconut - 1/2 cup
• FOR SEASONING
• Gingelly oil - 2 tablespoons
• A pinch of asafoetida
• Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
• 1 string of curry leaves
• Groundnuts - 2 tablespoons
• Salt to taste

Method

Step 1

HOW TO MAKE BISI BELE BHATH - KARNATAKA STYLE Wash and soak raw rice and tur dal together for 40 to 45 minutes. Add 6 to 7 cups of water and pressure cook upto 5 whistles or till they become soft and mushy.

Step 2

Heat 1 teaspoon of oil. Add coriander seeds, chana dal, methi seeds and red chillies and stir fry till the aroma exudes. Add grated coconut and fry for half a minute. Remove from heat. Grind the mixture with little water to make a smooth paste.

Step 3

In the same pan, add 2 teaspoons of oil. Add the peeled small onions and stir fry till the onions become light brown.

Step 4

Take a heavy bottomed vessel. Add tamarind water, salt, small onions and boil till the raw smell goes away.

Step 5

Add the ground masala mixture and cook for 2 minutes on a low flame.

Step 6

Add the cooked rice and dal mixture and mix well. Add salt if required. Cook for 2 minutes and remove from the heat

Step 7

Heat 2 tablespoons of gingelly oil in a tadka pan. Add mustard seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves and groundnuts and stir fry till the groundnuts turn golden. Add this seasoning to the mixture and mix well.

Step 8

Serve bisi bele bhath hot with papads or raita.

Step 9

Note : You can also use ghee instead of gingelly oil for the seasoning. Vegetables like potatoes, carrots, peas, beans etc can be added to make it more nutritious.