Bisibelebath Recipe (Karnataka Style)

 Here’s a classic Bisibelebath recipe 🍛🌿 — a hearty, spicy, and slightly sweet South Indian dish made with rice, dal, vegetables, and a special masala.


🥘 Bisibelebath Recipe (Karnataka Style)






🌍 About the Dish

Bisibelebath is a traditional dish from Karnataka, especially popular in Bengaluru.
The name means “hot lentil rice” in Kannada:

  • Bisi = hot 🔥

  • Bele = dal 🌱

  • Bath = rice 🍚

It is known for:

  • Unique spice blend 🌶️

  • Thick, porridge-like texture

  • Sweet + spicy + tangy flavour 😋


🧾 Ingredients




🍚 Main

  • 1 cup rice

  • ½ cup toor dal


🥕 Vegetables

  • 1–2 cups mixed vegetables:

    • carrot

    • beans

    • potato 🥔

    • peas

    • capsicum


🍋 Tamarind

  • Small lemon-sized tamarind (extract taken)


🌶️ Bisibelebath Masala (Fresh Ground)

  • 2 tbsp coriander seeds

  • 1 tsp chana dal

  • 1 tsp urad dal

  • 4–5 dried red chillies

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp fenugreek seeds

  • 2 cloves

  • 1 small cinnamon stick

  • 2 tbsp grated coconut

👉 Dry roast and grind into powder


🌿 Tempering

  • 3 tbsp ghee or oil

  • 1 tsp mustard seeds

  • Curry leaves

  • A pinch of asafoetida

  • Cashews (optional)


🍯 Balance

  • 1–2 tsp jaggery


👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation



🔥 Step 1: Cook Rice & Dal

  • Cook rice and dal together with water until soft

  • Mash slightly


🥕 Step 2: Cook Vegetables

  • Cook vegetables separately until soft


🍲 Step 3: Prepare Base

  • In a large pot, combine:

    • cooked rice + dal

    • cooked vegetables

    • tamarind extract

  • Mix well


🌶️ Step 4: Add Masala

  • Add freshly ground bisibelebath powder

  • Add salt

  • Add jaggery

  • Mix and simmer for 15 minutes


🍳 Step 5: Tempering

  • Heat ghee

  • Add mustard seeds → splutter

  • Add curry leaves + asafoetida + cashews

  • Pour over bisibelebath


🍽️ Serving Suggestions



Serve hot with:

  • Ghee 🧈

  • Boondi or mixture

  • Papad


⭐ Pro Tips for Perfect Bisibelebath

  • Texture should be soft and slightly mushy

  • Fresh masala is key 🔑

  • Balance sweet + spicy + tangy

  • Add ghee generously for flavour


😋 Why Bisibelebath is Special?

  • Complete meal in one dish

  • Rich, comforting, and filling

  • Unique Karnataka flavour