Bisi Bele Bath

Bisi Bele Bath

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There’s something magical about chilly winter mornings in Vizag. The cool breeze, the foggy air, and the warmth of a hearty breakfast make everything feel just right. And for me, nothing screams “comfort food” louder than a steaming bowl of Bisi Bele Bath. This South Indian delicacy, drenched in ghee and paired with boondi raita, is nothing short of a foodie’s paradise. Today, I’m going to share my favourite chef Ranveer Brar’s Receipe and the joy it brings, hoping you’ll fall in love with it just as much as I have.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1/2 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
  • 1/4 cup tamarind pulp
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, potatoes)
  • 2 tbsp Bisi Bele Bath powder (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 2 dried red chilies
  • A handful of curry leaves
  • 1/4 cup grated coconut (optional)
  • 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup peanuts (optional)

For Boondi Raita:

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1/2 cup boondi
  • Salt to taste
  • A pinch of cumin powder
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Bisi Bele Bath Bliss:

Step 1: Cook the Basics First, rinse the rice and toor dal under running water. In a pressure cooker, add the rice, dal, turmeric powder, and 4 cups of water. Cook until both rice and dal are soft and mushy. While waiting, you can daydream about the deliciousness to come.

Step 2: Veggie Time! In another pot, boil the mixed vegetables until they’re tender but not mushy. Think of them as the colorful confetti in your Bisi Bele Bath party. Once done, set them aside.

Step 3: The Magical Mix Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a large pan. Add mustard seeds, dried red chilies, and curry leaves. When the mustard seeds start popping like they’re doing a happy dance, add the cooked vegetables and sauté for a few minutes. Now, add the tamarind pulp and Bisi Bele Bath powder, mixing everything together like you’re creating a masterpiece.

Step 4: Merge and Simmer Add the cooked rice and dal mixture to the pan, stirring well to combine. Add water as needed to get a slightly runny consistency. Think “thick soup” rather than “rice pudding.” Let it simmer for a good 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to marry. Don’t rush this step; good things take time, like mastering the art of eating without spilling.

Step 5: Garnish and Glory If you’re feeling fancy, stir in some grated coconut. Heat the remaining ghee in a small pan, add the peanuts, and fry until golden. Pour this over your Bisi Bele Bath, because life is too short for soggy peanuts.

Boondi Raita: In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth. Add boondi, salt, and cumin powder. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. It’s like the perfect sidekick to your superhero Bisi Bele Bath.

Final Touch: Serve your Bisi Bele Bath hot, with a generous dollop of ghee on top. Trust me, there’s no such thing as too much ghee. Pair it with the boondi raita and get ready to experience food nirvana.

The Vizag Experience

Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing and the smell of the sea. The morning air is cool, and you feel cozy wrapped up in your blanket. But the best part awaits you in the kitchen – a delicious bowl of Bisi Bele Bath!

You walk into the kitchen and are greeted by the amazing smell of spices and ghee. The Bisi Bele Bath is cooking on the stove, and it looks and smells amazing. You serve yourself a big bowl and the first bite is incredible – the mix of spices, the softness of the rice and lentils, and a slight tang from the tamarind. It’s a burst of flavors in every mouthful.

And it gets even better when you add a spoonful of ghee and a side of boondi raita. The richness of the ghee and the coolness of the raita make it even more delicious. As you sit by the window, you feel really content and happy. This is what winter mornings are all about – simple pleasures, comfort food, and the joy of a good meal.

So, next time you want something warm and tasty, give Bisi Bele Bath a try. It’s like a comforting hug in a bowl, a delicious way to start your day. And you might just fall in love with this classic South Indian dish.

Cheers,

Sim