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Instant Pot Bisi Bele Bath served in a wooden bowl with garnishing of curry leaves and cashews. The bowl is placed over an antique platter and is surrounded by bowls of raita and fried okra.
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5 from 1 vote

Instant Pot Bisi Bele Bath

The classic South Indian Bisi Bele Bath is a medley of rice and lentils. Easy one pot dish made in the Instant Pot
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time23 minutes
Pressure Release Time18 minutes
Course: Main Course, Mains
Cuisine: Indian- South, Karnataka, South Indian
Servings: 4
Calories: 189kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

For soaking

  • 1/2 c Raw rice
  • 6 tbsp Toor dal Split pigeon pea lentils
  • 3 c Water

Veggies and aromatics

  • 1.5 tbsp Sesame oil or any neutral flavored vegetable oil
  • 10 whole Cashews
  • 10 shallots peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 c cubed carrots
  • 12 french beans chopped into 1 inch long pieces
  • 1/4 c green peas fresh and frozen both work well.
  • 7 tbsp Tamarind extract Soak 10g tamarind in 8 tbsp warm water for 20 mins. Squeeze the soaked tamarind in the warm water well, discard strings and fiber.
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder
  • 1 tbsp Jaggery please do not use maple syrup/ sugar/agave as substitute.
  • 2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 recipe soaked rice and toor dal, water drained fully

For Simmering

  • 1 c Hot water

For tempering

  • 1 tsp Mustard seeds
  • 10 curry leaves

Instructions

Soaking rice and toor dal

  • Wash the rice and dal together. Drain all the water used for soaking.
  • Add 4 c water to the washed rice and dal.
  • Soak for 30 mins.
  • While this is soaking, prep the tamarind and cut the veggies.

Sauteeing veggies

  • Place the inner pot in the Instant Pot.
  • Turn on Saute mode on Normal for 8 mins.
  • Wait for the display to read HOT.
  • When hot, add oil to the inner pot.
  • Add the cashews and fry till golden.
  • Do not leave the cashews unattended while this happens. Cashews burn quickly.
  • As soon as the cashews are done, drain and set them aside.
  • Now, add the shallots to the pot and fry till they turn soft and pink.
  • Next, add all the veggies and saute for 1 to 2 mins.
  • Tip in the tamarind extract along with salt and jaggery.
  • Simmer this mixture for 2 to 3 mins.
  • Add the Bisi Bele bath powder, Kashmiri chili powder and ground turmeri next and mix well.
  • Simmer for 1 min. Drain all the water from the soaking rice and dal.
  • Add this to the pot and add 4 cups water. Mix well.
  • Press cancel.

Instant Pot Pressure cooking

  • Ensure the sealing ring of the lid is fitted correctly.
  • Now, close the IP with the lid and turn the valve to SEALING.
  • Turn on RICE mode and allow the cooking cycle to complete.
  • When the cooking cycle is complete, allow pressure to release naturally.
  • Press cancel.

Adjusting consistency and simmering

  • If you find that the rice and dal have absorbed all the water while cooking and the Bisi Bele bath does not look gooey and runny, then, add 1 c hot water to this.
  • Using a potato masher, mash this lightly and mix well.
  • Now, turn on SAUTE MODE on NORMAL for 5 mins.
  • Simmer the Bisi Bele bath for 5 mins.

Tempering and Garnishing

  • Heat a small pan with oil.
  • Add mustard seeds and once they pop, add curry leaves.
  • Wait for the curry leaves to crisp up.
  • When done, add this along with the fried cashews to the rice and stir to combine.
  • Serve hot with any Raita and some potato curry.

Notes

  1. Bisi Bele Bath has to be runny and gooey. If you find that all the water has been absorbed after cooking, add 1 c hot boiling water to the cooked Bisi bele bath, mix well and simmer. To simmer, turn on SAUTE mode on NORMAL for 5 mins and simmer for 5 mins. This applies to quinoa, millet, and brown rice Bisi bele bath. When you add extra water, do not forget to adjust the salt.
  2. Fried cashews, peanuts, and Kara Boondi are all great toppings for this toothsome dish.
  3. Bisi Bele Bath tends to thicken as it cools down and overtime. It is also best enjoyed when served piping hot. So please cook and serve accordingly.
  4. Nutrition facts mentioned here are provided as a courtesy and not accurate. Please treat them as a rough guide.
  5. Instant pot cooking times will vary based on your geographical location.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Nutrition

Serving: 551g | Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 5.2g
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