Bisi bele bath powder, a spice blend that comes handy to make bisi bela bath, a rice and lentil dish with vegetables. There are several pre-made powder sold in stores but nothing matches freshly homemade powder.

Recipe source: Radhika of “Just homemade”

Ingredients you’ll need:

4 Guntur +8 byadagi chilies*
2 tbsp Coriander seeds
1 & 1/2 tsp bengal gram/channa dhal
1 tsp black gram/urad dhal
2 cloves
1″ piece cinnamon
2 green cardamom
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp Black peppercorns
5 Curry Leaves
1/4 tsp fenugreek/Methi/vendayam seeds
1/4 tsp white poppy seeds
2 tbsp grated copra/desiccated coconut/dry coconut powder
3 kapok buds/marathi moggu**
1/2 ” piece – mace / javitri

*Guntur Chilies are grown in Andhra and they come under one of the hottest variety of chilies and Byadagi chilies are grown in Karnataka, known for its deep red color and is heat level is low.

**Marathi moggu are buds of the kapok tree give bisi bele bath masala authentic flavor. The kapok buds are not available in the Indian grocery store, got a pack from India. The first time i made this spice powder, marathi moggu/kapok buds were not available but couldn’t resist making this at home.

Powder preparation:

In a small skillet, dry roast the ingredients except Poppy seeds, fenugreek seeds and dry coconut powder/copra until light brown in color and spices are aromatic.

Remove from fire and add the remaining three ingredients, let them roast in the heat from the pan. Set aside and let them cool completely.

Grind the roasted spices to a coarse powder. Store leftover Bisi Bele Baath mix in an airtight container either in the refrigerator to keep the aroma fresh.