Bisi Bele Bhath

This is a very popular south indian dish especially among the kannadigas and no different in our home. A small plate of bisi bele bhath will definitely make you stomach full. For a long time I was dreaming to make this but didn't have the set of veggies to make one. So tried this last weekend when I had all the veggies in hand.

Ingredients:(for 2 persons)

White Rice - 1/2 cup
Toor Dal - 1/2 cup
Carrot and peas - 1/2 cup(chop carrots to any size)
Chopped Bell Pepper - 3 tsp
Chopped Drumsticks - 8-9
Chopped beans - 1/2 cup(cut lengthwise)
Potato - 1 medium(Peel and chop into big cubes)
Mild Tamarind Extract - 1 cup
Ghee - 2 tsp
Salt - as needed

For the Seasoning:

Oil  - 2 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Hing - a pinch
Curry leaves - few
Cashews - 2 tsp
Shallots - 6(chopped)

For the masala:
Red Chillies - 4
Coriander seeds - 2 tsp
Cloves - 4
3" - 4" cinnamon stick
Shredded coconut - 3 tsp

Preparation:

• Add little oil and turmeric to the dal. Wash the rice. Pressure cook rice, dal and the veggies upto 3 whistles. (i used 3 cups water). Make sure the dal and rice is well cooked.
• Dry roast the ingredients listed "for the masala" until you get a nice aroma. Grind this into powder in blender.
• Add the coconut and water to the ground powder and blend it to a smooth paste again.
• Once the rice mixture is done, add this paste to it and bring it to boil.
• Add the tamarind juice, salt and bring to boil again. Add 1 tsp of ghee and stir in between.
• Do the seasoning and mix well with the Bisi Bele Bath.
• Add one more spoon of ghee atlast for extra flavor.
• Garnish with coriander leaves(optional)

I served this with home made appalams(papads) & potato fry. Or you can serve with potato chips.
 
Have a wonderful week ahead!!