Instant Pot Bisi Bele Bath

Ingredients

• 1 cup sona masuri rice
• 3/4 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))
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi) (optional)
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 2-3 tablespoons oil ((or ghee))
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon jeera seeds (cumin)
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• a pinch asafetida(hing)
• salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons coriander leaves (cilantro)
• 1 tablespoon ghee ((or oil))
• 1/2 teaspoon musturd seeds
• few cashewnuts
• 2-3 red dried chilies
• few curry leaves
• a pinch asafoetida (hing)

Instructions

1. 1

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

2. 2

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

3. 3

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

4. 4

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

5. 5

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

6. 6

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

7. 7

   Keep stirring; else the mixture may get burnt.

8. 8

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

9. 9

   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.

10. 10

    Do a NATURAL PRESSURE RELEASE (NPR) (Wait until the silver button on the lid drops).

11. 11

    Remove lid away from you, garnish with Cilantro.

12. 12

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

13. 13

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

14. 14

    Bisibelebath is ready. Prepare additional tempering but it's completely optional.

15. 15

    Serve with Kara bhoondi, potato chips or papad.