Instant Pot Bisi Bele Bath

4.87 from 30 votes

This one-pot Bisibelebath (Bisi Bele Bath) is a very popular recipe from Karnataka prepared in the Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian, South Indian

Keyword bisi bele bath, bisibelebhath, hot lentil rice, instant pot bisi bele bath

Diet Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Method Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker, Stovetop

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings

Calories 312kcal

1 cup sona masuri rice
¾ cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
1 medium onion finely chopped
2.5 cups mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, potato and bell pepper)
2 tablespoons tamarind extract (tamarind water extracted from soaking small lemon size tamarind)
6 cups water
3 tablespoons bisi bele bath powder (I used MTR brand)
½ teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi) optional
1 teaspoon red chilli powder
2-3 tablespoons oil (or ghee)
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
½ teaspoon jeera seeds (cumin)
1 sprig curry leaves
a pinch asafetida(hing)
salt adjust to taste
2 tablespoons coriander leaves (cilantro)

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, 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 timer to 8 minutes.
Do a NATURAL PRESSURE RELEASE (NPR) (Wait until the silver button on the lid drops).
Remove lid away from you, garnish with Cilantro.
Mix well. I like my bisi bele bhath to be mushy and liquid consistency.
Turn on the SAUTE mode again, add ½ - 1 cup of water (depending on your preference). Boil for 2-3 minutes.
Bisibelebath is ready. Prepare additional tempering but it's completely optional.
Serve with Kara bhoondi, potato chips or papad.

Vegetables: Use vegetables of your choice such as carrots, beans, peas, pearl onions, potato, bell pepper, pumpkin, or squash.
No tamarind: Substitute with 1 tomato or lemon/lime juice.
No bisi bele bath powder: Use 2 tablespoons sambhar powder + 1 tablespoon vangibath powder.
Rice alternatives: Quinoa or millet can be used with the same pressure-cooking time.
Brown rice: Increase pressure cooking time to 20–22 minutes.
Consistency: Add ½–1 cup water after cooking for a thinner, more khichdi like consistency.

Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.