Introduction

Welcome back to our kitchen! Today, we’re sharing a special recipe for Foxtail Millet Bisi Bele Bath. This traditional South Indian dish is typically made with rice and lentils, but in this healthier version, we’re using foxtail millet. Foxtail millet is rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, making this dish both delicious and nutritious. Bisi Bele Bath, which translates to “hot lentil rice,” is a wholesome meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

To prepare Foxtail Millet Bisi Bele Bath, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup foxtail millet
• 1/2 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 1 small carrot, diced
• 1 small potato, diced
• 1/4 cup green peas
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

For the Bisi Bele Bath Masala

• 1 tablespoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 1 tablespoon urad dal (split black gram)
• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 3-4 dried red chilies
• 1/4 cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
• 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 1 small piece of cinnamon
• 2 cloves
• 1 tablespoon oil

Tempering Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil (for a vegan version)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• A few curry leaves
• 2 dried red chilies
• 10-12 cashew nuts

Garnish

• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• A squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Millet and Dal

1. Wash the foxtail millet and toor dal thoroughly under running water.
2. In a pressure cooker, combine the millet, dal, diced carrot, diced potato, green peas, chopped onion, chopped tomato, and 4 cups of water.
3. Add turmeric powder and a pinch of salt.
4. Close the lid and cook for 3-4 whistles on medium heat, or until the millet and dal are soft and well-cooked.
5. Once the pressure releases naturally, open the lid and mash the mixture slightly with the back of a ladle. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Bisi Bele Bath Masala

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chana dal, urad dal, coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, dried red chilies, cinnamon, and cloves. Roast until fragrant and golden brown.
3. Add the grated coconut and asafoetida, and roast for another minute.
4. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then grind it into a fine powder using a blender or spice grinder. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Tempering

1. In a large pan, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat.
2. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
3. Add the curry leaves, dried red chilies, and cashew nuts. Fry until the cashews turn golden brown.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

1. Add the cooked millet and dal mixture to the pan with the tempering.
2. Add the prepared Bisi Bele Bath masala and mix well.
3. Adjust the consistency by adding water if needed. The mixture should be slightly runny.
4. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Taste and adjust the salt as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice.
2. Serve the Foxtail Millet Bisi Bele Bath hot, accompanied by a side of papad, raita, or pickle.

Tips and Variations

• Vegetable Add-ins: You can add other vegetables like beans, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of dried red chilies in the masala according to your spice preference.
• Consistency: Bisi Bele Bath should have a slightly runny consistency. Add more water if it becomes too thick while simmering.
• Vegan Option: Use oil instead of ghee to make this dish vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

Foxtail Millet Bisi Bele Bath is a nutritious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. With the rich flavors of the freshly ground masala and the wholesome goodness of millet and dal, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Feel free to share this recipe with your friends and family, and don’t forget to check out our other healthy and delicious recipes on the blog. Until next time, happy cooking!