Learn how to make authentic Karnataka style Bisi Bele Bath Powder at home with this easy recipe. Made with roasted lentils, whole spices and vibrant Byadagi red chillies, this aromatic homemade bisibelebath podi is the secret to making delicious, flavorful bisi bele bath!
Authentic Karnataka style Bisi bele bath recipe is in my try list for years I should say. I have tasted it in a few restaurants here and in some of my friends’ houses. But still I have not yet tasted this awesome bisi bele bath in its birth place, yes in MTR restaurant. I had been to MTR once with my friends but unfortunately I couldn’t taste bisi bele bath in their full meals menu. Instead they served some veg pulao which I didn’t like too. I found from the waiter that bisi bele bath is available only on Sundays.
Long back I had shared South Indian style bisi bele bath recipe, but that’s just our Tamil Nadu version. So I always look for the recipe of authentic Karnataka style bisibelebath and I have tried quite a few of them from various blogs. Of course they tasted good, but still I felt something was missing.
When I asked my school moms friends to share the correct recipe, some of them told me to use MTR bisi bele bath powder (BBB powder), but Nagalakshmi shared her family recipe with powder. Based on the ingredients she told and by watching a YouTube video, I tried this bisi bele bath powder at home for the first time. I also prepared bisibelebath rice using this fresh, flavorful, homemade powder. It came out really well and the taste was awesome! It was just up to the mark as I expected. We all loved it, especially my in-laws. So this powder is the star ingredient to make a perfect bisi bele bath.
Once you make and store this powder, you can prepare bisi bele bath in just 15 minutes. Ok, let’s see how to make bisi bele bath powder at home easily. My next target is to make a perfect vangibath powder. Hope I will do it very soon. Please check out my authentic Bisi bele bath recipe using this powder!
Quick Notes for US & Abroad Kitchens
- Byadagi Red Chillies for Color: Byadagi chillies (available at Indian grocery stores like Patel Brothers) provide the classic dark crimson red color to the powder without excessive heat. If you only have spicy dried red chillies (like Guntur or cayenne), reduce their quantity to 6-8 and add mild Kashmiri dried chillies to balance color and spice.
- Marathi Moggu (Kapok Buds): Marathi moggu gives the signature Karnataka military hotel aroma. If it is hard to find in your local Indian grocery store, do not worry—the cinnamon, cloves and poppy seeds will still produce a wonderfully aromatic powder.
- Dry Roasting Order: Roast dals (chana dal, urad dal) on low heat first until golden. Delicate poppy seeds (khus khus) and fenugreek seeds (methi) roast very quickly; ensure the flame stays medium-low to prevent bitter burning.
- Shelf Life & Storage: Because this powder does not include desiccated or dry coconut during roasting, it has a long shelf life. Store in an airtight glass jar in a cool pantry for up to 3 months, or freeze for up to 6 months. Always use a completely dry spoon!
Bisi Bele Bath Powder Recipe | Homemade Bisibelebath Powder
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Chana dal (bengal gram, approx. 30 g / 1 oz)
- 2 tbsp Urad dal (skinned black gram, approx. 30 g / 1 oz)
- 4 tbsp Coriander seeds / dhania (approx. 20 g / 0.7 oz)
- ½ tbsp Cumin seeds / jeera (approx. 6 g)
- ½ tsp Mustard seeds
- ¼ tsp Fenugreek seeds / methi
- ½ tbsp Poppy seeds / gasagase / khus khus
- 4 nos Cinnamon sticks 1-inch pieces
- 3 nos Cloves
- 1 no Marathi moggu (kapok bud) optional
- 15 nos Dried Byadagi red chillies for vibrant color
- 10 – 15 nos Dried red chillies (Guntur / spicy variety) adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp Cooking oil for roasting
Instructions
- Measure all the whole spices, lentils (chana dal, urad dal) and dried red chillies. Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a heavy-bottomed kadai or pan over medium-low flame.
- Add chana dal and urad dal first. Sauté for a minute until they start turning light golden. Next, add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, cinnamon sticks, cloves, marathi moggu and poppy seeds. Roast patiently on medium-low flame until fragrant and aromatic.
- Add both Byadagi red chillies and regular spicy red chillies. Roast for another 1 to 2 minutes until the chillies puff up slightly and become crisp. Be careful not to burn the spices. Turn off the flame and immediately transfer all the roasted ingredients to a wide plate. Let them cool down completely to room temperature.
- Once completely cooled, transfer the roasted spices to a dry mixie jar. Grind into a fine powder. Let the ground powder cool down for 10 minutes to release any grinding warmth. Store in a clean, airtight glass bottle or container. Always use a dry spoon to handle!
Notes
- Byadagi Red Chillies: Adding Byadagi red chillies is essential to get the signature rich crimson red color in the powder as well as the cooked bisi bele bath rice without making it overly spicy.
- Adjusting Heat: Adjust the regular spicy red chillies (Guntur) according to your taste buds.
- Shelf Life & Storage: This powder stays fresh and aromatic for up to 2-3 months at room temperature and up to 6 months in the freezer because coconut is not added while grinding. Always use a clean, dry spoon to handle.
- Using in Bisibelebath: Whenever preparing bisi bele bath, take 3 to 4 tbsp of this powder, grind with fresh grated coconut and soaked tamarind to make a rich masala paste.
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Make and store this flavorful homemade bisi bele bath powder in an airtight box. It stays fresh and aromatic for months!
Fresh and flavourful powder!! The pot looks so cute!! Love it :)
Powder looks so spicy.When we have this powder then in no time bisibelabath can be prepared.
Yes,u r right Sathya priya :)
I usually get ready made powder but sure will try tis
I usually get ready made powder but sure will try tis
Sure swati.Try n let me know ur feedback :)
fresh and flavourful powder.. lovely color too
wow aromatic powder
A very flavourful powder!!! Looks so colourful..
Flavourful powder! Looks great. Thanks for sharing.
—thelady8home.com
i used to prepare the powder at home,bt nw im addicted to mtr bisibelebath,i stop preparing by own,urs recipe is vry close to mtr powder it seems…so soon gonna try ur version…thnx for sharing sis..
Thanks u so much Sindhuja.Do try it n leave your feedback here :)
I was waiting this recipe. Will try it soon.Thanks Chitra. I am happy to know that you too hail from Tirunelveli. HATS OFF TO YOUR WORKS :)
Thank u :) I love ur blog name :)
Thanks a lot :) Do visit my blog. I will be honoured to know your feedback and keep improving myself :)
Thank u.:) I would be honoured if you could visit my blog and provide me your feedback.
Hi Chitra..for authentic bisi bela bath powde.. don't we need to add dry coconut (kopra).
Ps I like your blog and way of explaining.
Hi varsha,Thanks. there are versions with kopra.As i add coconut in bisibelabath i don't add in powder. I feel shelf life oof powder may reduce by adding kopra:)
Hi Chitra
Where will get byadgi chilli.how to ask in shops
You can get byadge chillies in all big departmental stores.Ask for Karnataka chillies.Please check this link.I have shared an image for this chilli.
https://chitrasfoodbook.com/2014/10/35-chutney-recipes-sidedish-for-idli.html
Hi Chitra
Can I also add Star Anise as part of the powder?
Hi,Yes u can add a small one because its smell may over power the masala :)