Instant Pot Bisibelebath

Bisibelebath (Bisi Bele Bath) is a very popular recipe from Karnataka prepared in the Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker. In kannada, bisi means hot, bele means lentil, and bath means rice.

This easy Pressure Cooker Bisi bele bhath is a wholesome and nutrition-packed one-pot meal made with rice, lentils, and mixed vegetables. It tastes amazing when served with Kara bhoondi, potato chips, or papad.

The secret to making Bisi Bele Bath is to make the masala powder fresh at home. These days, Bisi bele bath powder is readily available in stores. If you do not have the time and are running late, you may easily buy Bisi Bele Bhat Masala. I usually use MTR Bisibelebath Masala.

The authentic recipe of bisi bele bath is made without onion, garlic, and tomatoes. I have used onion in this recipe. You can also use sambar onions (shallots) instead of regular onions. Also, check my Quinoa Bisi bele bath recipe if you want a healthier variation.

I have posted many Karnataka-style recipes on this blog. So if you are looking for more recipes, then check my Mandakki usli, Veg Pulao, Maddur vada, Masala Peanuts Chaat, Nargis Mandakki, Girmit, Spicy Garlic Puffed Rice, Shenga Saaru (Peanut Sambar).

I have prepared this bisibelebath recipe in my electric pressure cooker, Instant Pot DUO60 6 QT.

Jump to:

• Yellow Split Pigeon Peas [Toor Dal]
• Bisi Bele Bhath Ingredients
• How to Make Bisi Bele Bath in Instant Pot
• Serving Suggestions
• Variations & Substitutions
• More Instant Pot Rice Recipes
• Instant Pot Bisi bele bath
• Bisi Bele Bath Powder
• Bisibelebath Powder Recipe

Yellow Split Pigeon Peas [Toor Dal]

Toor dal is also known as pigeon peas. These nutritious peas contain high protein levels and the essential amino acids methionine, lysine, and tryptophan. Yellow Pigeon peas (toor dal) are in split form.

These are used to make the most traditional everyday sambar in South India & Dal in Northern parts of India. Check out other Toor Dal recipes from my blog Spinach Dal, Dal Paratha, Vegetable Sambar.

Bisi Bele Bhath Ingredients

• Sona masuri rice: Traditionally, medium-grain sona maoori is used. If you don't have, use can also use basmati rice.
• Dal: Toor dal (spilt pigeon peas) is used to make the dish.
• Mixed vegetables: onion, carrot, beans, green peas, potato, and bell peppers are used. Peanuts are optional, I like to add them for extra protein.
• Bisi bele bath powder: use homemade or store-bought powder. I personally like MTR or GRB Bisi bele bath powder brand.
• Tamarind extract: you can make it at home or use a store-bought one. Soak tamarind in warm water for 10 minutes and extract the pulp.
• Spices: turmeric, red chili powder.
• Oil (or ghee): You can use any cooking oil. For best results, use ghee.
• Tempering: Mustard seeds, jeera seeds (cumin), curry leaves, and asafetida (hing) are used.
• Coriander leaves: freshly chopped.

How to Make Bisi Bele Bath in Instant Pot

Firstly, chop all the vegetables and onion. Keep aside.

Then, soak tamarind in warm water. Extract pulp and keep aside.

Press SAUTE on Instant Pot. Add oil, and once it's hot, add mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Let it splutter.

Add onions or shallots. Saute for 2-3 minutes until they turn soft and light brown - stir regularly.

Next, add mixed vegetables and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Then add bisi bele bath powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, tamarind extract, salt.

Keep stirring; else the mixture may get burnt.

Add rinsed toor dal (lentils), rice, jaggery, and water give a stir.

Close the lid on the pot and turn the pressure valve to the SEALING position.

Set the pot to 'MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK' (High Pressure) and the timer to 8 minutes.

Do a NATURAL PRESSURE RELEASE (NPR) (Wait until the silver button on the lid drops). Remove lid away from you, and garnish with Cilantro.

Mix well. I like my bisi bele bhath to be mushy and liquid consistency.

Turn on the SAUTE mode again, and add ½ - 1 cup of water (depending on your preference). Boil for 2-3 minutes.

Instant pot pressure cooker Bisibelebath is ready.

Prepare additional tempering, but it's completely optional.

Serve Bisi bele bhath with Kara bhoondi, Potato chips, or Papad.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bisi bele bath with Kara bhoondi, Papad, or Potato chips. During Festivals or gatherings, we also pair with Onion Tomato Raita and Hesarubele Carrot Kosambari(salad).

Variations & Substitutions

• You can use vegetables of your choice, like pearl onions, pumpkin, and squash.
• If tamarind is unavailable, you can replace it with 1 tomato or juice of 1 lemon/lime.
• Add an extra ½ to 1 cup of water for a more khichdi like consistency.
• If you don’t have bisibelebath powder you can replace it with 2 tablespoons of sambhar powder and 1 tablespoon of vangibath powder. These powders are easily available in Indian grocery stores.
• Instead of using oil for tempering, you can use ghee, which vegans can avoid.
• You can also substitute white rice with quinoa or millets with the same pressure cooking time.
• Substitute white rice with brown rice, and increase pressure cook time to 20-22 minutes.

More Instant Pot Rice Recipes

• Vegetable Biryani
• Beetroot Rice
• Palak Rice
• Coconut Milk Pulao
• Tomato Rice
• Ven Pongal

This Bisi Bele Bath recipe was among Top 10 recipes of 2021 in my blog.

You can find Bisibelebath Powder in any Indian grocery store. If you cannot find it, you can make powder at home only.

Bisi Bele Bath Powder

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