Bisi Bele Bath, meaning “hot lentil rice” in Kannada, is a classic Karnataka comfort dish made with rice, lentils, tamarind, and a unique spice blend. It’s wholesome, tangy, spicy, and comforting – a dish that can easily be called the soul of Karnataka cuisine.
Now imagine this beloved dish with a healthy upgrade – by replacing rice with Kodo Millet (Varagu/Arikelu). 🌾 Packed with fiber, iron, protein, and essential minerals, Kodo Millet Bisi Bele Bath is not only flavorful but also highly nutritious. It’s a perfect example of how traditional Indian recipes can be adapted to suit modern, healthy lifestyles without losing their authentic charm.
🌟 Why You’ll Love Kodo Millet Bisi Bele Bath
✨ Authentic South Indian Taste – Retains the signature spicy-tangy flavor of Bisi Bele Bath.
✨ Millet-Based Health Boost – Rich in fiber, protein, and minerals.
✨ Gluten-Free & Diabetic Friendly – Ideal for health-conscious diets.
✨ Comforting One-Pot Meal – Perfectly balanced with lentils, tamarind, and spices.
✨ Customizable – Add veggies of your choice to make it more wholesome.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For 3–4 servings of Kodo Millet Bisi Bele Bath:
🌾 Main Ingredients
- Kodo Millet (Varagu/Arikelu) – 1 cup
- Toor Dal (pigeon peas) – ½ cup
- Tamarind pulp – 2 tbsp
- Mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, drumstick) – 1 cup chopped
- Bisi Bele Bath powder – 2 tbsp (store-bought or homemade)
- Jaggery – 1 tsp (optional)
- Salt – as per taste
- Water – 4–5 cups (adjust consistency)
🌿 Tempering (Tadka)
- Ghee – 2 tbsp
- Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
- Curry leaves – 8–10
- Dry red chilies – 2
- Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch
- Cashew nuts – 8–10
🥘 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1️⃣ Cook Millet & Dal
- Wash kodo millet thoroughly and soak for 20 minutes.
- Wash toor dal.
- Pressure cook millet + dal together with 3 cups water for 3–4 whistles until soft.
2️⃣ Cook Vegetables
- In a pan, cook the chopped vegetables with a little water until tender. Keep aside.
3️⃣ Make Tamarind Base
- Soak tamarind in warm water and extract the pulp.
- In a pot, add the tamarind extract, Bisi Bele Bath powder, salt, and jaggery.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes until raw smell goes away.
4️⃣ Mix Everything
- Add the cooked millet-dal mixture into the simmering tamarind-spice base.
- Stir in the cooked vegetables.
- Add more hot water if needed to achieve a porridge-like consistency.
5️⃣ Prepare Tempering
- Heat ghee in a small pan.
- Add mustard seeds, let them splutter.
- Add dry red chilies, curry leaves, cashews, and a pinch of hing.
- Pour this sizzling tempering over the millet mixture and mix well.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with a dollop of ghee on top.
- Pair with boondi raita, papad, or potato chips for the classic Karnataka touch.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for added flavor.
💡 Tips & Variations
✅ Use homemade Bisi Bele Bath masala for an authentic flavor.
✅ Adjust spice levels based on your preference.
✅ Add a handful of peanuts while tempering for extra crunch.
✅ If making for kids, reduce tamarind and chili to keep it mildly spiced.
✅ For a vegan version, replace ghee with sesame oil.
🌿 Health Benefits of Kodo Millet Bisi Bele Bath
- Rich in Fiber – Supports digestion and weight loss.
- Low Glycemic Index – Suitable for diabetics.
- Protein-Packed – A complete meal with millet + dal combo.
- Bone & Heart Friendly – Contains calcium, iron, and magnesium.
- Gluten-Free Comfort Food – Safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
📝 Conclusion
Kodo Millet Bisi Bele Bath is more than just food – it’s an experience of comfort, tradition, and health in one bowl. The unique blend of spices, tamarind tang, lentil creaminess, and millet goodness makes it a soul-satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or simply yourself, this dish is a nutritious and delicious choice that will warm your heart and body.
So next time you crave authentic South Indian flavors, skip the rice and make Kodo Millet Bisi Bele Bath – your taste buds will rejoice, and your health will thank you. 🌸