Despite growing up in Tamil Nadu for half my life, my comfort food has always been a warm bowl of Bisi Bele bath. This humble yet flavor-packed dish holds a special place in my heart, transcending boundaries and weaving together the threads of my childhood memories.
I remember clearly, be it on the days I felt under the weather or the days the government announced leave for school due to storms and rain, I'd ask my amma to prepare bisibele bath for lunch. There's something about this food and having it thoroughly made by amma, especially on those cozy days of hibernation – being home with her, being her gossip partner, and sharing a bowlful of warmth.
Woah! Calling it bliss would be an understatement.
Even as a full-grown adult, while visiting our home, I'd sit on the kitchen countertop sharing all my college stories and later tales about my in-laws. I'd fondly watch Amma create magic while preparing my favorite bisibelebath. It was also about sharing our kind of quality time inside the kitchen.
Soon after I started cooking, we reconnected and bonded better than ever before. It was then that I truly understood what goes into crafting this iconic dish.
So, here I am, ready to make your day better with my Amma's special bisibele bhath recipe, a testament to the incredible women who have kept this tradition alive for generations.
Bisi bele bath powder:
- Dry roast ¼ cup coriander seeds, ¼ cup chana dal, 2 tbsp urad dal, 2 tbsp cumin, 2 tbsp sesame, 2 tbsp poppy seeds, 2-inch cinnamon, and 5 cloves on low flame until aromatic. Allow to cool completely.
- In a pan, heat 1 tsp oil and roast 20 dried red chilies, a few curry leaves, and ¼ cup dry coconut on low flame until the chilies are crisp. Allow to cool completely.
- Grind the roasted spices, chilies, and coconut along with ½ tsp turmeric and ¼ tsp hing to a fine powder.
For Bisi Bele Bath:
- Heat 2 tbsp oil and 2 tbsp ghee. Temper with 1 tsp mustard, 2 dried red chilies, a pinch of hing, 2 tbsp peanuts, and a few curry leaves.
- Add 1/2 cubed onion and sauté. Add vegetables of your choice and Sauté briefly.
- Boil until veggies are cooked.
- Add 1/2 cup tamarind extract and boil for 2 mins.
- Add 3 tbsp bisi bele bath masala powder, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1 tsp salt. Sauté well.
- Add the cooked rice-dal, 1 tsp salt, and 2 cups water. Adjust consistency.
- Simmer for 10 mins to blend flavors.
- Garnish with 2 tbsp fried cashews (fry in 2 tsp ghee until golden).
- Serve hot.
Well! Amma has inspired me to achieve so many things, and one among them is the authentic bisibelebath masala powder we craft at SweetKaramCoffee.in. If you're craving bisibelebath or if you're someone like me who yearns for it while being under the weather, this mix is the perfect solution.
You don't have to spend hours preparing it when you have my bisibelebath powder. Experience the authentic taste, just like the way my amma and your amma would prepare it, with every bite transporting you to a world of comfort and nostalgia.
Order now at sweetkaramcoffee.in and let the aromas of this timeless dish fill your home, weaving a tapestry of memories that will forever bind you to the rich tapestry of our traditions and the incredible women who have shaped them.
With love,
Janaki Paati