Bisi Bele Bath Powder Recipe: A Traditional South Indian Spice Mix
This Bisi Bele Bath Powder Recipe is an essential part of the traditional Karnataka cuisine. It is widely used to make the popular Bisi Bele Bath rice dish. The spice blend consists of various ingredients, including urad dal, chana dal, coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, black peppercorns, green and black cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, kapok buds, dried red chilies, curry leaves, and dry coconut. Bisi Bele Bath is a rice dish consisting of Bisi Bele Bath powder, toor dal, bell peppers, and other vegetables. The spice blend adds a burst of flavor and aroma and is an important ingredient in the dish. You can store the Bisi Bele Bath Powder for a couple of months, which makes it convenient for busy households.
You can trace the history of the Bisi Bele Bath Powder recipe back to the early days. Back then people used to make it at home by roasting and grinding the spices with a stone. The recipe is passed down through generations and has become an integral part of South Indian cuisine. Bisi Bele Bath is a pot meal that is enjoyed across the region and is a must-try in South India. The authentic Bisi Bele Bath is most delicious when made using golden brown homemade powder. The cultural significance of the Bisi Bele Bath Masala Powder Recipe lies in its use in traditional Karnataka dishes. It is an important ingredient that creates the authentic taste of the dish.
To prepare Bisi Bele Bath spice powder, the first step is to dry roast the ingredients. Roast spices such as cumin seeds, coriander seeds, green cardamom, marathi moggu, and poppy seeds on low heat until they turn golden brown. This process releases the aroma of the spices and ensures that they last longer. Once the spices are roasted, grind them to a fine powder. The proportion of ingredients may vary depending on the recipe. Some recipes may call for Guntur chilli or Byadagi chillis to add a burst of flavors. You can store the homemade Bisi Bele Bath powder at room temperature in an airtight container for future use. You can also purchase the spice powder from an Indian grocery store. However, with a little time and effort, anyone can prepare the most delicious Bisi Bele Bath powder at home.
Ingredients For Bisi Bele Bath Powder Recipe
Spices
The spices provide the main flavor to the Bisi Bele Bath dish. Coriander seeds, cumin, and fenugreek seeds provide earthy and nutty flavors, while dried red chilli and pepper add a spicy kick to the dish. Cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves provide warm and sweet notes, while curry leaves add a slightly sour and citrusy flavor.
Lentils and Seeds
Lentils and seeds add a nutty and creamy texture to the Bisi Bele Bath Masala powder. Chana dal and urad dal add a nutty flavor and a slightly crunchy texture, while sesame and poppy seeds provide a creamy texture.
Dry Coconut
Dry coconut adds a slightly sweet and nutty flavor to the dish. It also provides a creamy texture to the Bisi Bele Bath Masala powder.
Turmeric Powder and Asafoetida
Turmeric powder contributes a bright yellow color to the Bisi Bele Bath dish and provides a slightly earthy flavor. Asafoetida adds a pungent aroma and flavor to the dish, which enhances the overall flavor and aroma.
Step By Step Instructions For Bisi Bele Bath Powder Recipe
To begin, heat a frying pan on medium heat.
Next, add all the masala ingredients, including coriander seeds, chana dal, urad dal, cumin, methi/fenugreek, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, dried red chillies, and curry leaves one by one.
Then, dry roast the ingredients on medium heat until they become fragrant. It’s important to be careful not to burn the spices as this will give a bitter taste to the powder.
Once the spices are fragrant, remove the frying pan from the heat and let the spices cool to room temperature.
After that, transfer the roasted spices to a blender or a spice grinder.
Also add dry coconut, turmeric powder, and asafoetida to the blender or spice grinder.
Then grind all the ingredients into a fine powder. Finally, transfer the Bisi Bele Bath powder to an airtight container or jar and store it in a cool, dry place.
You can now use Bisi Bele Bath powder as needed for making the Bisi Bele Bath dish.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving suggestions for the Bisi Bele Bath powder, there are a variety of options to choose from. One classic way to use the powder is to make the traditional Bisi Bele Bath dish, by cooking rice and pigeon peas with tamarind extract. Adding the Bisi Bele Bath powder creates a spicy and flavorful rice dish. Another dish to try is Bisi Bele Huliyanna, which also has a tangy and sour taste. Simply add the Bisi Bele Bath powder to cooked rice and then mix in a tamarind-water mixture for a delicious and tangy meal.
For a more nutritious and colorful twist, consider adding sliced bell pepper to the Bisi Bele Bath dish. This will add a sweet and crunchy flavor to the dish. Additionally, you can also use the Bisi Bele Bath powder in instant pot meals to make a quick and easy meal. Another option is to use the powder to make stews, soups, and curries, adding a burst of flavor to any one pot meal. Garnish the Bisi Bele Bath dish with some freshly chopped coriander leaves, chopped cashew nuts, and fried onions to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Finally, serve the Bisi Bele Bath dish with some pickles, raita, or plain yogurt to make a complete and balanced meal.
Storage Instructions
When it comes to storing Bisi Bele Bath powder, there are a few important steps to take to ensure the powder stays fresh for longer. Firstly, once the powder has cooled down after grinding, transfer it to an airtight container or jar. Make sure that the container is clean, completely dry, and free from any moisture, as this can cause the spices to clump together and reduce their shelf life. Next, store the container in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, which can cause the powder to lose its flavor and aroma.
To keep track of the freshness of the powder, label the container with the date of preparation and the name of the spice mix. This will help you identify the powder and prevent confusion with other spice mixes. Additionally, before using the powder, give it a good stir or shake. It distributes spices evenly, which ensures the desired flavor and taste in your Bisi Bele Bath dish. By following these steps, you can store Bisi Bele Bath powder for up to 6 months and maintain its freshness, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors and aroma of this spice mix in your cooking.
Bisi Bele Bath Powder Recipe
Course: Spice MixCuisine: South IndianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes10
minutesBisi Bele Bath Powder is a flavorful spice blend made with roasted whole spices and lentils, used to prepare a South Indian rice dish.
Ingredients
4 tbsp 4 coriander seeds
3 tbsp 3 chana dal
2 tbsp 2 urad dal
1 tsp 1 cumin
½ tsp ½ methi/ fenugreek
1.5 tbsp 1.5 sesame
1.5 tbsp 1.5 poppy seeds
1 tsp 1 pepper
5 5 pods cardamom
1 inch 1 cinnamon
3 3 cloves
10-12 10-12 dried red chilli
few few curry leaves
3 tbsp 3 cup dry coconut, chopped
½ tsp ½ turmeric powder
Pinch asafoetida
Directions
- To begin, heat a frying pan on medium heat.
- Next, add all the masala ingredients, including coriander seeds, chana dal, urad dal, cumin, methi/fenugreek, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, dried red chillies, and curry leaves.
- Then, dry roast the ingredients on medium heat until they become fragrant. It’s important to be careful not to burn the spices as this will give a bitter taste to the Bisi Bele Bath powder.
- Once the spices are fragrant, remove the frying pan from the heat and let the spices cool to room temperature.
- After that, transfer the roasted spices to a blender or a spice grinder. Add dry coconut, turmeric powder, and asafoetida to the blender or spice grinder.
- Grind all the ingredients into a fine powder. Finally, transfer the Bisi Bele Bath powder to an airtight container or jar and store it in a cool, dry place.
- Use the Bisi Bele Bath powder as needed for making the Bisi Bele Bath dish.
Recipe Video
FAQs
The key ingredients of Bisi Bele Bath powder include coriander seeds, cumin seeds, marathi moggu, byadgi chilies, Guntur chilies, poppy seeds, and buds of the kapok tree.
To make Bisi Bele Bath powder, dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, marati moggu, byadgi chilies, Guntur chilies, and poppy seeds until aromatic. Then, grind the roasted spices along with buds of the kapok tree to a fine powder.
There is no significant difference between Bisi Bele Bath powder and Bisi Bele Bath masala powder as both are spice mixes used to prepare the popular rice-based dish Bisi Bele Bath.
To make awesome Bisi Bele Bath using Bisi Bele Bath powder, heat oil in a pan, add the Bisi Bele Bath powder and sauté until aromatic. Add hot water, tamarind water, and vegetables of your choice, and cook until the vegetables are tender. Add cooked rice and stir well. Serve hot.
The Karnataka style bisibelebath powder recipe includes ingredients such as coriander seeds, cumin seeds, chana dal, urad dal, fenugreek seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and red chilies.
For making Bisi Bele Bath, use 2 to 3 tablespoons of Bisi Bele Bath powder for 2 cups of rice.
Store Bisi Bele Bath powder in an airtight container in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Label the container with the date of preparation and the name of the spice mix.
Bisi Bele Bath powder contains a blend of aromatic spices that contribute to the burst of flavors in the dish. The combination of spices, such as coriander, cumin, and fenugreek, along with the heat from the red chilies and the sweetness from the kapok tree buds, creates a unique flavor that is the hallmark of Bisi Bele Bath.
Yes, Bisi Bele Bath powder can be used in other dishes as well. It can be added to curries, stews, and soups to add flavor and aroma.
Dry roasting coriander seeds for a longer time can enhance the flavor of Bisi Bele Bath powder, but care should be taken not to burn the seeds, which can affect the taste of the powder.
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I am a husband, father of 4, board certified neurosurgeon, and a lover of South Indian Food!
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