Bisi Bele Bath (Sambar Sadam) Recipe: A Comforting South Indian Delight

Bisi Bele Bath, also known as Sambar Sadam, is a beloved South Indian dish that offers a perfect blend of rice, lentils, vegetables, and a spicy tamarind-based gravy. It’s a hearty one-pot meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful, making it an ideal comfort food for any time of day. Whether you’re in the mood for something filling for lunch or a warm dinner, Bisi Bele Bath is the perfect choice.

Origin of Bisi Bele Bath

Bisi Bele Bath hails from the state of Karnataka but has become a staple dish in many South Indian households. The name “Bisi Bele Bath” translates to “Hot Lentil Rice” in Kannada, referring to the warm, spicy nature of the dish. It is often served with a dollop of ghee (clarified butter), and is popularly enjoyed with a side of raita or papad.

Ingredients

To make an authentic Bisi Bele Bath, you’ll need:

For the rice and lentils mix:

• 1 cup rice (preferably short-grain or medium-grain rice)
• 1/4 cup toor dal (pigeon peas lentils)
• 1/4 cup moong dal (yellow lentils)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 cups water (for cooking rice and dal)

For the vegetables:

• 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
• 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup potato, cubed
• 1/2 onion, sliced (optional)
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/4 cup tamarind extract (soak a small piece of tamarind in warm water for 10 minutes and extract juice)

For the spice powder (Bisi Bele Bath powder):

• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon urad dal (black gram)
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1-2 dried red chilies (adjust to spice preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon hing (asafoetida)
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh coconut (optional)

For tempering:

• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2-3 dried red chilies
• 10-12 curry leaves
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon jaggery (optional, to balance the sourness)
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnishing

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the rice and lentils

1. Rinse the rice and dal thoroughly.
2. In a large pot or pressure cooker, add the rice, toor dal, moong dal, turmeric powder, and water. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles or cook on medium heat until the rice and lentils are soft and well-cooked. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the vegetables

1. In a separate pan, add the chopped vegetables, tamarind extract, and 1-2 cups of water. Cook the vegetables until they are soft and tender. You can also add a pinch of salt and turmeric while cooking the vegetables.

Step 3: Prepare the Bisi Bele Bath spice powder

1. In a dry pan, roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, urad dal, fenugreek seeds, black pepper, dried red chilies, and hing on low heat until they release a fragrant aroma (about 2-3 minutes). Be careful not to burn them.
2. Once roasted, grind this mixture into a fine powder using a grinder or mortar and pestle. If using fresh coconut, add it to the mix before grinding.

Step 4: Tempering the dish

1. In a large pan, heat ghee. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add the dried red chilies, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Sauté for a minute.

Step 5: Combine the ingredients

1. Add the cooked vegetables along with tamarind juice to the pan with tempering. Stir in the Bisi Bele Bath spice powder, salt, and jaggery (if using). Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes so the flavors blend well.
2. Now, add the cooked rice and dal mixture to the pan. Stir gently to combine everything. Add water as needed to adjust the consistency – Bisi Bele Bath should be a thick, porridge-like consistency, but not dry.

Step 6: Final touches

1. Simmer the dish for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt or spice levels.
2. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with a dollop of ghee on top.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Bisi Bele Bath with raita (yogurt-based side dish), papad, or fried vegetables.
• It also pairs beautifully with a side of chutney, such as coconut chutney or a tangy tomato chutney.

Tips for the Perfect Bisi Bele Bath

• The key to a great Bisi Bele Bath is the homemade spice powder. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought versions, but the freshly ground spices make a huge difference.
• Don’t skip the jaggery; it helps balance the tanginess from tamarind and adds depth to the dish.
• For a richer flavor, you can add some fresh coconut or coconut milk while preparing the vegetables.
• Adjust the vegetable mix based on what’s available. Common additions include pumpkin, drumsticks (moringa), and brinjal (eggplant).

Conclusion

Bisi Bele Bath is a wholesome, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s sure to please anyone who enjoys South Indian cuisine. Whether you are cooking for a special occasion or as an everyday meal, this recipe promises to deliver a nourishing, satisfying, and vibrant experience. Try it today, and enjoy a taste of Karnataka’s culinary heritage!