12 One-Pot Winter Wonders Your Dadi Would Approve Of

4. Bisi Bele Bath — Karnataka’s Spiced One-Pot Rice-and-Lentil Comfort

Bisi Bele Bath is a South Indian one-pot classic where rice and lentils meet a distinctive spice mix to create a tangy, slightly sweet, and deeply savory dish. Traditionally made with toor dal, rice, mixed vegetables, and a special bisi bele bath powder, it’s a winter favorite because jaggery and tamarind sometimes appear in small amounts to balance flavors and root vegetables like carrots or pumpkin add seasonal comfort. Dadi-style versions are hearty and fragrant; the key is the tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and crushed cashews. For busy cooks, pressure-cook rice and dal together with chopped vegetables, stir in ready-made bisi bele bath masala, and finish with the classic tadka. Serve with a dollop of ghee and a side of plain yogurt to cool the palate if needed. This dish shows how regional one-pot recipes can be festive, nourished by spice blends that warm both body and memories.