Karnataka Bisi Bele Bath Spiced Lentil Rice One Pot Classic

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup raw rice
• 1/2 cup toor dal
• 1.5 cups mixed vegetables — potato cubed, carrot cubed, peas, beans, drumstick
• 1 marble-sized tamarind soaked in 1/2 cup warm water
• 3 tbsp ghee
• For bisi bele bath powder: 1 tbsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp cumin, 4 dried red chillies, 2 tbsp fresh coconut, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 2 cloves — all dry-roasted and ground
• For tempering: 2 tbsp ghee, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1/4 tsp asafoetida, 8 curry leaves, 2 tbsp cashews
• 5 cups water
• Salt

Method

1. Wash rice and toor dal together. Pressure cook with 5 cups water and all vegetables for 4 to 5 whistles until both rice and dal are very soft.
2. Mash lightly — bisi bele bath should be a cohesive, porridge-like consistency.
3. Add strained tamarind water and bisi bele bath powder. Stir well.
4. Simmer on medium for 8 to 10 minutes until the tamarind is fully incorporated and the flavours meld.
5. Add water if it becomes too thick — the final consistency should flow when scooped.
6. Add 3 tbsp ghee. Season with salt.
7. For tempering: heat 2 tbsp ghee. Add mustard seeds — pop.
8. Add asafoetida, curry leaves and cashews — fry until cashews are golden. Pour over the bisi bele bath.
9. Serve with papad and raita.