Bisi Bele Bath powder is a rich and aromatic blend of spices that gives the classic South Indian dish its deep, complex flavor. Made with coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, dry red chilies, fenugreek, and curry leaves, it not only enhances taste but also offers numerous health benefits. Coriander and cumin aid digestion, cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar, and cloves and fenugreek have anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits. The warming spices create a bold, earthy taste that pairs perfectly with lentils, rice, and vegetables. Highly customizable, the spice levels can be adjusted to individual preferences, making it suitable for all palates.

Ingredients
1 1/4 tbsp coriseeds (sabut dhania, kothamalli vidhai)
3/4 tbsp Bengal gram (chana dal, kadalai parupu)
1/2 tbsp split black gram (urad dal, ulutham parupu)
3/4 tsp cumin seeds (sabut jeera, jeeragam)
1” piece of cinnamon (dalchini, lavangathu pattai)
6-8 grains fenugreek seeds (methi dhana, venthiyam)
1 tsp poppy seeds (khus khus, kasa kasa)
2 cloves (laung, kirambu)
2 pieces kapok buds (Marathi moggu, ilavu)
A small piece of mace (javitri, jathitathri)
A small piece of nutmeg (jaiphal, jathikkai) – optional
1 tbsp grated desiccated coconut (kopra, koprai)
8 byadagi chillies (mild red peppers)
2 Guntur red chillies (hot red peppers)
A generous pinch of asafoetida (hing, perunkayam)
Method
Heat a pan and add cinnamon, clove, kapok buds, mace and nutmeg (if using)
Roast on a low flame till aromatic
Transfer to a plate
Set aside
To the same pan, add cumin seeds, coriander seeds, Bengal gram, split black lentils, fenugreek seeds and asafoetida
Roast on low flame till they turn aromatic and the lentils turn golden brown
Transfer to the plate once done
Next add the poppy seeds
Once they start spluttering and change colour, remove from heat and add to the plate
In the same pan, add curry leaves, byadagi and Guntur peppers
When they turn crispy and aromatic, remove from flame and add to the plate
Lastly, add the grated coconut
When it changes colour, remove from heat and add to the plate
Let all the ingredients cool completely
Then, transfer to a blender
Grind to a fine powder (do not add water)
Use immediately to make bisi bele bath or store in an airtight container
Enjoy!