Bisi Bele Bath Powder Recipe | Bisi Bele Bath Masala Recipe

Bisi Bele Bath Powder is a popular flavorful masala used to make the Karnataka special dish Bisi Bele Bath also known as Bisi Bele Huliyanna. It is this one spice mix which gives the right balance of spice, nice aroma and flavor in each spoon. When you make this powder fresh at home, the taste is so much better than the packed ones we get in shops.

This powder is not only made for Bisi Bele Bath alone, you can even use it for sambar sadam, veg kurma, or even sprinkle little in soups for extra flavor. I feel that homemade powders are always more fresh and pure because we know exactly what goes inside.

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About Bisi Bele Bath Powder

Bisi Bele Bath Powder is a traditional masala from Karnataka made with roasted dals, whole spices and red chillies that bring out strong aroma and taste. It is the main spice mix that gives Bisi Bele Bath its special flavor, without this masala the dish will just taste plain like rice and dal.

Bisi bele bath is a one pot meal with rice, lentils and this Bisi Bele Bath Powder asone of the main ingredient. The spice mix is red in color as byadgi chillies are used which is less in spice but gives nice color and in addition guntur chillies are also used to give heat.

The roasting part may look a bit time taking, but once you smell those roasted spices, you will know why it is worth it. Every single spice has its own role, and when roasted properly they release oils that give the powder its strong aroma. That’s why slow roasting it individually is the key here.

You can make small variations in this powder. I have used kopra or dried coconut, you which gives the authentic taste. But you can replace it with desiccated coconut too.I have tried this masala powder without coconut and add roasted coconut while making bisi bele bath, it works fine too.

I usually make this powder in small batches during weekends. When stored in a dry jar it stays good for a month. Honestly, the smell while roasting itself makes the whole kitchen feel so warm and aromatic.

I have tasted Bisi Bele Bath only at home but have heard its the best in MTR. Amma makes bisi bele bath powder with freshly grinded spices. I wanted to make Bisi Bele Bath Powder at home and store at least for a while so that it becomes handy. Yes when you have this spice mix ready then making bisi bele bath is such an ease.

Bisi Bele Bath Powder Ingredients

• Chana dal, Urad dal – I have used this for adding a mild nutty taste, it also balances the spice in the powder and helps the masala blend well with rice.
• Cumin seeds – I have used cumin seeds which adds strong earthy smell and also helps in digestion.
• Coriander seeds – These is the main base which gives volume to the masala powder.
• Pepper corns – I add just few because it gives mild pungent heat, you can add more if you like strong pepper taste.
• Fenugreek seeds – Very tiny amount is enough, I have used little just for a hint of bitterness which balances the other flavors.
• Sesame seeds – Gives a nutty taste, so don’t miss adding it.
• Poppy seeds – Adding poppy seeds makes the powder rich and thick in flavor, you can skip if not available but I prefer using.
• Cinnamon, Cloves – I have used 4 two inch sticks and 10 cloves, this is one the main flavor in this powder.
• Dried coconut – Adds flavor and aroma to the powder.
• Byadgi red chillies – I have used these for giving the masala its bright red color and mild heat, they also add natural shine.
• Guntur red chillies – These are for the real spice kick, I usually balance byadgi and guntur to get both color and heat.

Why This Recipe Works

• This recipe is simple and needs only regular Indian spices which are easy to find.
• It is a homemade masala that taste so fresh and aromatic.
• You can store it for one month easily and use in many South Indian dishes.
• The use of two different chillies gives perfect balance of color and spice.
• You can adjust ingredients as per your taste and make your own version.

How to make Bisi Bele Bath Powder Step by Step

1.To a pan add ¼ cup coriander seeds, roast until slightly golden, transfer to a plate and set aside.

2.Add 2 tablespoon urad dal, 2 tablespoon chana dal, roast until golden. Transfer to the same plate and set aside.

3.Add 2 tablespoon sesame seeds, roast until golden. Transfer to the same plate and set aside.

4.Add 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, roast until golden. Transfer to the same plate and set aside.

5.Add 1 tablespoon cumin seeds, roast until golden. Transfer to the same plate and set aside.

6.Add 1 teaspoon pepper, roast for few seconds. Transfer to the same plate and set aside.

7.Add 4 two inch cinnamon, 10 cloves and ½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds. Transfer to the same plate and set aside.

8.Add ¼ cup kopra(dried coconut), roast until golden. Transfer to the same plate and set aside. You can replace it with desiccated coconut too.

9.Add 25 byadagi chilies along with 5 red chilies, roast until it turns crisp. Transfer to the same plate and set aside.

10.Cool down completely.

11.Transfer to a mixer jar.

12.Grind it slightly coarse like this.

13.Spread it on a plate, Cool down then store.

Store in a clean dry jar.

Expert Tips

• Slow roasting – I usually roast all spices on low flame, roasting slowly brings out flavor, if you roast fast they can burn quickly. So make sure to roast slowly and individually as each ones takes different time to get roasted.
• Balancing chilies – I have used both byadgi and guntur. You can adjust according to your taste.
• Cooling before grinding – I always cool the roasted spices fully before grinding, else it becomes sticky and powder won’t stay fresh for long.
• Storage jars – You can store in clean glass jars or even steel box.
• Coarse or fine grind – I prefer grinding it little coarse, it gives nice texture when mixed in rice, you can grind fine also if you like smooth masala.

Serving and Storage

Serve Bisi Bele Bath Powder as the main masala for making traditional Bisi Bele Bath. It also works well in tamarind rice, veg kurma, or even simple dal for extra flavor. This powder stays good for one month if stored in airtight jar. Always use a clean dry spoon to scoop. If you want longer life, you can refrigerate but I usually prefer making small batch fresh every month.

FAQS

1.Can I skip poppy seeds?

Yes you can skip, but I feel it gives nice richness, taste so I prefer to add.

2.Can I make this powder in advance?

Yes, you can easily make a batch and store for a month.

3.Is dried coconut compulsory?

It is traditional to use dried coconut which gives it the authentic taste. You can replace it with desiccated coconut or fresh coconut. If using fresh coconut roast until golden brown then grind but still the shelf life will becomes less.

4.Can I use only one chilli variety?

Yes, but using both gives better balance of heat and color.

5.How long can I keep this masala?

It stays good for one month in airtight jar, just keep away from moisture. If kept in fridge it lasts for even 6 months if handled properly.

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